Pelvic Migration of Lag Screw Following Fixation of an Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail

Abstract

Intertrochanteric femur fractures are very common in patients over 65 years old who have prominent osteoporosis. Proximal femoral nails are preferred because of their biomechanical advantages in the treatment of these fractures especially if the fracture is unstable with medial calcar discontinuity. However, many complications associated with intramedullary fracture fixation have been described following common use of these implants. Here, we report a rare complication of a short intramedullary nail in which medial pelvic migration of the lag screw was detected at eighth week postoperatively. The patient was subsequently treated with lag screw removal. (JAREM 2013; 3: 44-6)