Can I Bend My Lengthening Nail?

To fully discuss the potential for bending the intramedullary nail, we must understand precisely what it is. In trauma and modern limb lengthening surgery, an intramedullary nail or rod is placed within the bone marrow, the hollow part of the bone, to create stability as we distract or pull the bone apart. The intramedullary nail is a gold standard with successful use.

With that said, there is the rare potential for a secondary trauma to the femoral or tibial shaft that could bend or even break the nail. Seemingly counterintuitively, a broken nail is preferable to a bent nail because while both require revisional surgery, the fractured nail can typically be removed relatively easily. In contrast, a bent nail can be complex to remove without significant damage to surrounding structures. This is where a very experienced orthopedic surgeon with a trauma background, like Dr. Basmajian, can help.

What Happens Next?

If a patient experiences trauma during the limb lengthening process, they should see their limb lengthening surgeon to address this and evaluate any damage to the hardware. While very rare, significant blows can cause a problematic situation requiring an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Basmajian.

Patients must also be wary of motor vehicle accidents, especially motorcycle crashes. Fractures of the femur can also cause bending of the intramedullary nail. Please do not ignore pain, discomfort, or progressive disability in the limbs even once it has entirely healed and you have been performing regular activity for a while.

Fortunately, this is rare.

Bending the intramedullary rod used to lengthen a leg is unlikely but possible. While we do not suggest significantly limiting your activities after the new bone has been laid down and hardened, we do not suggest pursuing activities that may have a significant risk for lower limb injury.