Early Failure of the Paragon28 Phantom Hindfoot Fusion Nail: A Case Report.

CASE: Tibio-talar-calaneal fusion nails can be used to treat acute ankle fractures in patients with diabetes, Charcot arthropathy, or other comorbidities. Recently, Paragon28 released the Phantom Hindfoot Fusion Nail (Phantom nail) with a unique design feature-a proximal coil. We present a case of an ankle fracture-dislocation in a diabetic patient treated with the Paragon28 nail who experienced early implant failure. CONCLUSION: It is important for surgeons to understand that the proximal coil in the Phantom nail should not be considered part of the working length of the nail and may introduce a stress riser that may lead to early implant failure.