Glossary term
Implant failure
Mechanical breakdown of the internal lengthening nail or its components.
Updated 2026-03-012 aliases3 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
Mechanical breakdown of the internal lengthening nail or its components, including nail breakage, locking screw loosening, or loss of the distraction mechanism. Implant failure may require revision surgery to replace or repair the device.
Aliases
nail failure, mechanical failure
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Hosny GA. Limb lengthening history, evolution, complications and current concepts. J Orthop Traumatol. 2020;21(1):3.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Hospital for Special Surgery. Limb Lengthening Surgery. HSS Health Library.official_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Antoci V, Ono CM, Antoci V Jr, Raney EM. Complications in limb-lengthening procedures: a review of 49 cases. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2001;30(8):623–629.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
Informational only. Not medical advice.