Hip screw lateral migration with no cut-out or non-union implication: A case report

Abstract

Hip screw migration of peritrochanteric fracture fixation devices is a described complication in English literature. Medial migration occupies the majority of these cases whereas lateral migration is rare. We report the case of an 85-year-old woman whose intramedullary osteosynthesis of a trochanteric fracture was complicated by hip screw lateral migration. Mobilization was not influenced and no cut-out or non-union was detected. The migrated hip screw was easily removed and the discomfort vanished. The need for adequate surgical technique and radiographic examination after reinjuries even if the patient remains ambulatory is emphasised. © 2009 Lasanianos et al; licensee Cases Network Ltd.