title: A reinforced rigid fixation device for unstable intertrochanteric fractures.
abstract: A 120 degrees blade plate reinforced by a strut is introduced for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric and proximal subtrochanteric fractures. Mechanical tests showed that the strength of this reinforced resistance device was 11,758 N. This strength is two and three times greater than that of the Gamma nail and sliding hip screw, respectively, and five times greater with the strut than without it. Three hundred fifty-eight patients older than 60 years of age were treated with this method between 1987 and 1991 (mean followup, 16 months). Six months after surgery the fracture had united in 82% of the patients who were walking without aid or using only a cane. Weightbearing began when the patient's general overall condition allowed such activity (average, 5 days; mode, 3 days). A chi squared test showed no difference regarding the results between stable and unstable fractures. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 3% and 7.1%, respectively. The failure of fixation rate was 5.4%. Mechanical tests and clinical results showed that immediate weightbearing can be allowed in all types of intertrochanteric fractures. This reinforced device is effective in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures and is especially indicated for the most unstable types (Evans' Grades 4 and 5).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baixauli
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vicent
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baixauli
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Alepuz
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gómez
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology