POSTOPERATIVE FEMORAL FRACTURE AFTER INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION WITH A GAMMA-NAIL - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The Gamma nail, an intramedullary nail that is combined with a sliding hip screw, has recently been introduced as an alternative method of t reatment for peritrochanteric fractures of the femur. We report a case of a postoperative femoral fracture that occurred in the area of the device after Gamma nailing of a stable intertrochanteric fracture. A r eview of the literature reveals that postoperative fracture is not an uncommon complication of Gamma nailing. This complication results in a difficult management problem. The possibility of a femoral fracture a round the Gamma nail should be entertained before the use of the nail is considered. The availability of alternative fixation devices must b e confirmed in the event that such a fracture is encountered.