title: The results of medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.
abstract: The results of medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures demonstrate that instability exists whenever there is lack of continuity of bone cortex on opposing surfaces of the 2 main fragments after reduction of the fracture. In 88 patients, 5 were lost to follow-up; 83 were reviewed personally by the authors at an average follow-up period of 27 months; the complication rate (both local and general) was high. Eight per cent showed non-union of the fracture; 13% developed deep infection (2 suffered from septicemia). Fifteen of 83 patients required a second operation. The mortality rate at 6 months was 13%, owing to heart failure, bronchopneumonia or thromboembolism. Of the 56 living, only 24 (43%) demonstrated a good functional result. Medial displacement osteotomy should be combined with a sliding screw-plate device. Without a sliding screw plate, medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur may not be as successful as would appear from reports in the literature.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications