Fracture of the Femoral Broach Locking Mechanism and Surgical Technique to Retrieve the Broach

Abstract

The current case series reports on 4 cases of intraoperative fracture of the femoral broach locking mechanism during total hip arthroplasty and subsequent entrapment of the broach. Three of the cases were performed via the direct anterior approach and 1 was performed with the posterolateral approach. Two femoral broach locking mechanisms fractured with the use of a power broaching device and 2 occurred when using the calcar planar. The authors also discuss a minimally invasive technique to remove the broach. While intraoperative fracture of the femoral broach locking mechanism is not a common complication, surgeons should be aware of the potential causes of these complications as well as strategies and techniques to retrieve the broach should they encounter this issue.