The Asian-Pacfic Gamma Nail for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur

Lee, Sang Hong; Ha, Sang Ho; Park, Sung Joon

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment results of geriatric intertrochanteric fractures by using Asian-Pacific Gamma nails.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From June 1994 to June 1997, 58 cases of the intertrochanteric fractures were treated with Asian-Pacific Gamma nail, particularly compression hip screw fixation complications such as communited fracture involving lesser trochanter, transverse or reverse oblique intertrochanteric fracture. We evaluated the bone union time, neck-shaft angle, lag screw sliding by follow up radiographs, and studied complications and intraoperative cautions.
RESULTS
The average age was 74.4 years old, the mean duration of follow-up was 17 months, the mean duration of bone union was 14.2 weeks, the average neck-shaft angle was postop. 133+/-2.78 degree and last follow-up was 129.5+/-3.37 degree, and the average lag screw sliding was 4.7+/-3.16 mm. Intraoperative complications were difficulty in distal drilling (posterior drilling) in 4 cases, fracture displacement by nail insertion in 3 cases, and postoperative complications were coxa vara in 13 cases, superior cutting out of lag screw with nonunion in 1 case and superficial infection in 1 case. The entry portal must be formed by awling. The fracture displacement when inserting nail could be prevented by proper reaming after inserting the C-shaped guide pin, and posterior drilling could be avoided by confirming the locking between target device and nail.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the Asian-Pacific Gamma nail could appropriately treat the osteoporotic, communited intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients and we obtained satisfactory results.