A Clinical Study on Trochanteric Fractures of the Femur

Kim, Kwang Hoe; Choi, Il Yong; Han, Bong Joo

Abstract

The increased incidence of the trochanteric fracture of the femur was accompanied by the development of the vehicle and the prolongation of the average life-span. Recently it has been also increased in an active person from thirties to forties. 87 cases of the trochanteric fracture of the femur in 86 patients who have been admitted and treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Hanyang University Hospital during 8 years and 10 months, from May, 1972 to February, 1981, were reviewed. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The trochanteric fracture of the femur was more common in male and was frequent in a person who was from thirties to forties and who had vigorous social activity. 2. An injury from traffic accident was the most common cause of the fracture from thirties to forties and an injury from slip down was most common in seventies. 3. The unstable fracture which was classified by Evans' classification, Boyd and Griffin Type II Fx. and Tronzo Type III Fx. were most common in the intertrochanteric fracture and the Fielding Type II Fx. was most common in the subtrochanteric fracture of the femur. 4. Other injuries were accompanied by the trochanteric fracture of the femur in 38 patients (44.2%) and the pelvic bone fracture was the most common associated injury in these patients. 5. The weight bearing was allowed earlier in the patient who had been given the surgical Tx. than in the patient who had been given the conservative Tx. 6. In adults, there was no significant differences in the duration to achieve the bony union between the conservative treatment and surgical treatment performed. 7. We considered that the diminution of the probable complications by early weight bearing after accurate open reduction in accordance with the Type of the Fx. followed by secure internal fixation with devices is an ideal method of the Tx.