Medial Displacement and Valgus Nailing with Jewett Nail in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture

Rhee, Kwang Jin; Kang, Gui Sik; Yune, Sung Ho; Yim, Woo Soon

Abstract

Intertrochanteric fractures frequently occur in elderly patients. Early mobilization after rigid internal fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures has recently reduced the mortality and morbidity. Between March, 1976 and February, 1980, eighteen patients over 60 years old with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were treated by Jewett nailing after Dimon & Hughstons reduction at the department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chung Nam University. Among the eighteen patients, twelve patients could be followed, ranging from 6 months to 2.1 years, with an average follow-up of 11 months. The results were obtained as follows: 1. The main causes of fractures were falling down and slip down. 2. In treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures by medial displacement and valgus nailing with Jewett nail, early ambulation and early weight bearing were possible with satisfactory results. 3. The average time for fracture union in twelve cases who were followed up were 17.1 weeks, but two cases with severe comminution of posterior and medial fragment of the trochanter revealed delayed union. 4. The medial displacement of distal fragment and valgus nailing in unstable intertrochanteric fracture shortened the operation time and reduced complications by early ambulation, but had disadvantages such as some limitation of motion of affected hip joints, shortening of affected extremities and delayed union.