'Schanz Pin Extractor' Technique for Removal of a Broken Intramedullary Nail

Abstract Intramedullary nail removal is an uncommon but complicated procedure with significant surgical challenges, especially in the case of a broken nail. There are multiple cumbersome techniques for nail removal described that are frought with difficulty. We present a technique designed to take advantage of the difference in metallurgy of a stainless steel Schanz pin and a cannulated titanium intramedullary nail. We use a 5.0 mm self-tapping Schanz pin that is able to be drilled into the softer cannulated segment of titanium intramedullary nail designed to accomate a guide wire. Once drilled into the desired segment of nail, the distal interlock can be removed, and the Schanz pin can be connected to a T-shaped handle used as an extractor to pull out the nail.