J Korean Fract Soc.  1999 Oct;12(4):818-823.

The Operative Treatment of Subtrochanteric Fractures of the Femur

• Park SW
• Byun YS
• Lim DJ

Abstract

PURPOSE : The authort have investigated the subtrochanteric fractures, which were treated operatively using variable internal fixation devices to determine the clinical results according to the fracture types and internal fixation devices.
MATERIALS and METHODS
: We have reported 18 cases of subtrochanteric fractures, which were treated operatively using variable internal fixation devices from October, 1992 to December, 1997. fourteen cases were male and 4 cases were female. Eight cases were type I, 5 cases were type II and 5 cases were type III by Fieldings classification. Of fixation devices, 13 cases were DHS, and 5 cases were interlocking intramedullary nail. The mean duration of follow up was 1 year and 6 months.
RESULTS
The mean duration of bony union was 20.3 weeks, and there was no significant difference between fracture types or between internal fixation devices. Of the 18 cases, 4 complications(22%) were occured ; delayed union(1 case), nonunion(1 case), and varus deformity(2 cases).
CONCLUSION
: The internal fixation devices should be chosen adequately according to the fracture type in subtrochanteric fracture of the femur. Also, additional bone graft was necessary for posteromedial cortical defect to decrease complications, in cases of nail-plate devices especially.

Keyword

Femur; Subtrochanteric fractures; Operative treatment

MeSH Terms

Classification
Female
Femur*
Follow-Up Studies
Hip Fractures*
Humans
Internal Fixators
Male
Transplants