PURPOSE The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures caused by high energy trauma at a non-osteoporotic young age. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of all cases of subtrochanteric fractures caused by high energy trauma under 60 years old from February 2000 to February 2004, we analyzed 16 patients who had severe comminuted fractures (Seinsheimer classification type IV, V). The mean age is 43.5 (31~54) years old. Mean follow-up period was 22 (14~38) months. We tried to reduce anatomically as much as possible and fixed firmly using a compression hip screw in all cases. Additional procedures such as interfragmentary screw fixation, cerclage wiring or lateral stabilization plating were performed in 13 cases. Bone grafting was performed in 8 cases. We evaluated bony union rate, time to union, status of reduction, varus deformity and rate of implant failure using a simple X-ray. We also analyzed the clinical result using the Harris hip score including range of motion, pain and limping gait, so on. RESULTS In all 16 cases, bony union was achieved and the mean time to union was 24 (20~32) weeks. There was no intra-operative complication. Postoperative complications such as loss of reduction, varus deformity, implant failure or infection did not occur. Clinically, the Harris hip score was 98.9 (97~100) points. CONCLUSION Optimal open reduction and firm internal fixation with or without additional fixation was thought to be a recommendable method of treatment for comminuted subtrochanteric fractures of the femur caused by high energy trauma at a young age.
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Treatment of Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures Using Intramedullary Devices Chung Soo Hwang, Phil Hyun Chung, Suk Kang, Jong Pil Kim, Young Sung Kim, Chong Suk Park, Sang Ho Lee Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(1): 13. CrossRef
PURPOSE This study was performed to analyze the weight-bearing ambulation time, bony union time and complications after fixation of comminuted subtrochanteric fractures of the femur with compression hip screw and evaluate its effectiveness.
MATERIAL & METHODS: From January 1993 to January 2000, 21 cases of S e i n s h e i m e r's Type IV and Type V comminuted subtrochanteric fractures of femur which were treated by compression hip screw and followed for more than 1 year were analyzed by weight-bearing ambulation time, bony union time and complications. RESULTS We recommended partial weight bearing ambulation from 6 weeks after operation and full weight bearing ambulation from 12 weeks after operation. All of 21 cases, primary bony union was achieved and mean time was 16 weeks(range 13 to 25 weeks). 2 cases of mechanical complications were occurred. Also 4 cases of malunion of lesser trochanter and 2 cases of nonunion of lesser trochanter were occurred, but none of them result in limitation of motion, limping nor pain. CONCLUSIONS We thought compression hip screw is a good implant for rigid fixation of comminuted subtrochanteric fractures, especially involve intertrochanteric region like Seinsheimer's Type IV and Type V.