The results of medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.
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.
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