Iatrogenic subcapital fracture of the hip: a new complication of intertrochanteric fractures.
A recently recognized complication of intertrochanteric fracture is a subcapital fracture occurring at the tip of the blade of an intertrochanteric fracture fixation blade plate. Histological examination reveals that this is not a fatigue fracture but is the result of stress concentration effects of a stiff metalic device. This fracture may be prevented by using a blade plate with a long blade which is well seated in the head, and by removing the metallic device as soon as it is safe to do so. Ultimate prevention lies in using a more compatible material for the internal fixation of fractures.
D000368:Aged; D001178:Arthroplasty; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans