Retrograde Femoral Nailing Complicated by Spurious Fracture of the Femoral Neck

The presence of a fracture of the femoral neck and ipsilateral diaphyseal femur fracture has been
reported previously. In all femoral shaft fractures, scrutiny of the femoral neck is mandatory in order
to direct proper management toward this potentially devastating complication. This report discusses a
case of an intraoperative radiographic artifact secondary to retrograde nailing of a femoral shaft fracture
which may be interpreted as an occult or iatrogenic ipsilateral fracture of the femoral neck. The etiology
of this artifact and its proper interpretation are described. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
14(1):32–36, 2005)
Key words: femoral neck fracture, femur, retrograde femoral nail