J Korean Fract Soc.  2002 Jul;15(3):320-327. 10.12671/jksf.2002.15.3.320.

Unstable Trochanteric Fractures of the Femur Treated with a Condylar Blade Plate

• Byun YS
• Yoo CH
• Nam JM
• Cho YH
• Shin DJ

• KMID: 1837986
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2002.15.3.320

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the condylar blade plate for internal fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures of the femur.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty six unstable trochanteric fractures of the femur (AO classification, 9 type A2 and 17 type A3) were treated by condylar blade plate fixation. Osteoporosis was found in 14 cases. Fractures were operated on the average 7th day after trauma and cancellous bone graft was performed in 3 fractures with severe comminution. Results were evaluated by operating time, time of fracture healing, complications, and function of the hip and walking ability at the final follow-up assessment.
RESULTS
Operating time was 123 minutes on average. All fractures were united in an average of 14.0 weeks. Complications at the fracture site were a heterotopic ossification and a refracture. Motion of the hip was limited moderately in a case with heterotopic ossification and mildly in 5 cases. Two patients used a cane and 2 patients revealed a mild limp.
CONCLUSION
Although the condylar blade plate is technically difficult to apply, it provides stable fixation to obtain good results with less complications for unstable trochanteric fractures of the femur, especially even in the presence of osteoporosis.

Keyword

Femur; Trochanteric fracture; Condylar blade plate

MeSH Terms

Canes
Classification
Femur*
Follow-Up Studies
Fracture Healing
Hip
Hip Fractures*
Humans
Ossification, Heterotopic
Osteoporosis
Transplants
Walking