Abstract
We have experienced five cases of intraoperative fracture of the tibia assoicated with removal
of ACE interlocking tibial nail. All fractures occured in young patients whose ages ranged from
eighteen to twenty-nine years(mean, 24 years). We think the main reason of the fracture was
characteristic design of ACE nail such as prominent distal angulation and posterior longitudinal
slot. The other factors were age of the patient, material of the nail and timing of removal of the
nail. In conclusion, we advise caution in the removal of the ACE reamed interlocking
intramedullary tibial nail in young patient.