Fracture of a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Intramedullary Femoral Nail

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced implants have emerged as an alternative to traditional stainless steel and titanium implants because of the improved visibility on advanced imaging and excellent biomechanical strength. This can be advantageous in patients with concern about fracture healing, tumor recurrence, or additional imaging requirements. However, limited long-Term data are available to present complications from the use of these implants. We present the case of a failure of a carbon fiber reinforced intramedullary femoral nail used in a closed distal femur fracture.