Complications in Patients with Pertrochanteric Fractures Treated with a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail

Min, Byung Woo; Nam, Seok Yoon

Abstract

PURPOSE
We analysed perioperative and postoperative complications in a series of patients who had a pertrochanteric fracture which had been treated by using a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis was done on 44 patients who were available for follow-up over one year period. The Clinical analysis included their walking ability, buttock pain, thigh pain, and their leg length discrepancy. The correlation between radiological parameters and the incidence of complications was analysed.
RESULTS
The average follow-up period was 26 months. The presence of buttock pain, thigh pain, a diminution of walking ability and a limb shortening were common findings. The amount of typical complications from a classic gamma nail in the pertrochanteric fractures of the femur were very low, but complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head or a refracture after removal of the nail occurred in patients who had been treated by a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail. The radiological parameters did not statistically correlate with the incidence of complications.
CONCLUSION
There was mismatch of Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail with Korean femorae. We recommend that a precise operative technique is essential and a modification of the nail must be made.