Forward progression of the helical blade into the pelvis after repair with the Trochanter Fixation Nail (TFN).

Abstract

Unstable intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures historically have been prone to inferior displacement of the femoral head as well as varus collapse. Efforts to mitigate these untoward outcomes have led to the evolution of the Trochanteric Fixation Nail (TFN) with its helical spiral blade. The TFN has many proposed advantages such as simplified insertion, less hardware, and improved resistance to "cutout" of cephallomedullary fixation. Previous case reports have shown spiral blade perforation through the femoral head and, in some cases, into the hip. However, to our knowledge, there have not been any reports describing the advancement of the helical spiral blade into the pelvic cavity. We present a case of forward advancement of the helical spiral blade through the femoral head and acetabulum into the pelvic cavity.