Trochanteric fractures treated with the Pugh nail: a study of 270 cases.
We report a series of 270 intertrochanteric fractures of the femur which were treated with the Pugh nail in our department. We used it as a standard treatment of intertrochanteric fractures and lateral fractures of the femoral neck. The Pugh nail method is characterized by a simple technique, a low rate of complications, and early ambulation and weight-bearing, which is important for the mostly aged patients (average age: 81 years). 81% of the patients could be ambulized with weight-bearing within two weeks after operation. 79% of them were able to walk by themselves at discharge from hospital. The rate of complications was 17% without urinary infections. Mortality was 16%. Complications and mortality did not depend on the type of fracture but on the age of the patients and on concomitant diseases.
Surgical Department, Wenckebachkrankenhaus, Berlin, Germany.
J
J
Heinz
U
U
Schmidt
U
U
Barnick
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology