[Good results with the gamma nail treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures in 42 patients].
In the University of Groningen during the period of January 1990 to September 1992, 42 patients with pertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with a gamma nail. The mean age was 72 years. Many fractures were markedly unstable. Fixation stable under weight-bearing was achieved in 36 patients (86%). In 22 patients the gait returned to the pre-injury level. The mean duration of operation was 1.5 hours. Blood loss was considerable, necessitating blood transfusions 26 times. Technical complications such as a fracture of the femoral shaft, breaking-out of the cervical screw and perforation of the femoral head by the cervical screw, observed mostly in the early phase of this new method, led to major morbidity. Consolidation of the fracture was obtained in all cases. For surgical fixation of unstable pertrochanteric femoral fractures the gamma nail is a suitable implant which allows early mobilization of the patient.
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Chirurgie, Groningen.
M J
MJ
Mobach
P G
PG
Warmenhoven
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography