J Korean Fract Soc.  1998 Jan;11(1):159-167.

The Gamma Mail for Subtrochanteric Fractures of the Femur

• Kang S
• Hwang JS
• Chung PH
• Chae DJ
• Park YB
• Kim HC
• Um KH
• Hong JY

Abstract

The aubtrochanteric area is cortical bone which has a decreased blood supply and a serious communition after trauma. Large biomechanical stresses in the subtrochanteric area can lead to failure of fixation devices. Many fixation devices have been used to treat the fractures of subtochanter of the femur. The Gamma nail was introduced for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures with the theoretical advantage of a load-shearing femoral component. We reviewed 15 patients of subtrochanteric fractures who were treated by use of the Gamma nail at Dongguk university hospital since March 1993. Results showed satisfactory fracture union with little loss of position, even in comminuted fractures. The patients had shorter convalescence and earlier weight bearing. Perioperative complications were few. We conclude that Gamma nail is effective in achieving good stabilization of the unstable fractures of the subtrochanteric region and is an advance in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Keyword

Femur; Subtrochanteric fracture; Gamma nail

MeSH Terms

Convalescence
Femur*
Fractures, Comminuted
Hip Fractures*
Humans
Postal Service*
Weight-Bearing