title: Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur treated with the Zickel nail.
abstract: In a retrospective study of 41 subtrochanteric fractures treated with Zickel intramedullary nails (with a follow-up period of at least 1 year) there was a union rate of 100% (39/39). Union occurred between 4 and 7 months (average healing time 5.2 months). There were no implant failures. To date 4 patients have had their Zickel nails successfully removed. In 48% of the cases we had some difficulties with the stability of the fracture, and in 12% there was a need for additional cast immobilization. In 9 cases there was shortening of 1.5 to 4 cm (average shortening of 2 cm). Therefore we no longer recommend use of the Zickel nail in the treatment of acute subtrochanteric femur fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Reynders
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stuyck
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Broos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography