Introduction:

Removing an intact or broken intramedullary nail can be a real surgical challenge. In clinical cases many methods have been described, and there are many tools to allow their extraction. In this article, the experience in one of them is presented: the use of trephines.

Clinical cases:

Three cases of Küntscher intramedullary nails are described, in which it was used, also listing in detail the steps to be followed in a nail extraction, arranging the techniques and assorted tools required to take the nail out, enable the surgeon to make a better extraction plan and prepare in advance any of the necessary resources in the case of failure during the surgery.

Conclusion:

The use of trephines as an extraction system is an infrequent technique. It can be an alternative when the usual methods fail. It does not require new approaches, does not require the integrity of the proximal end of the nail, and can be used in most designs.