Gamma nail breakage: a report of four cases

Kasimatis GB, Lambiris E, Tyllianakis M, Giannikas D, Mouzakis D, Panagiotopoulos E
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Patras, Greece

Gamma nails have been used extensively for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. Nail breakage at the level of the aperture of the lag screw is rare. We report 4 such cases mainly associated with a large posteromedial cortex gap and nonunion. The need for adequate reduction to avoid such a complication is emphasised.