Case of implant failure following osteosynthesis for an intertrochanteric femoral fracture using a carbon fiber intramedullary nail

Suzuki T, Fukunishi S, Okahisa S, Niitsu S, Matsumoto S, Tachibana T

Journal of surgical case reports, 2026

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) materials are radiolucent and produce fewer metallic artifacts during radiological examinations, making them a subject of growing interest as osteosynthesis materials in the field of orthopedics. However, clinical reports on carbon intramedullary nails are still limited, and there are few reports on postoperative complications. The present case report describes a 55-year-old female patient who sustained an unstable intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur and underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a CFR-PEEK intramedullary nail. Ultimately, within just 6 months after the initial surgery, varus deformity developed at the fracture site, resulting in failure of the junction between the intramedullary nail and the lag screw, and necessitating revision surgery involving total hip arthroplasty.

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