Intramedullary reamer failure in orthopaedic surgery: Two case reports and practical recommendations for prevention

Intramedullary reaming has been proven to be a safe and effective method for enhancing the union rates of long bone fractures. However, there is a risk of equipment failure, which can lead to severe complications. We present two cases of reamer failure during femoral nailing which illustrate the rare occurrence of intraoperative instrument failure. Our report also underscores the importance of routinely inspecting reaming equipment and provides technical insights to reduce the risk of failure.