Uncoiling of reamer during intramedullary nailing for fracture shaft of femur

Intramedullary nailing is considered the standard of care for closed femoral shaft fractures. Several studies have shown that reamed intramedullary nailing is a safe procedure in fracture shaft femur with lower nonunion rates than unreamed nailing. Reamed intramedullary nailing provides better stability because of increased contact between the nail and medullary canal. However, careful attention to reaming techniques as well good instrumentation is necessary while undertaking such a procedure. We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of uncoiling of reamer while reaming the medullary canal. Possible causes and measures to avoid such a complication are discussed.