The long gamma nail in the treatment of 329 subtrochanteric fractures with major extension into the femoral shaft.
OBJECTIVE
To study the outcome of treating extensive proximal femoral fractures with the long Gamma nail.


METHODS
Retrospective study, with a minimum follow-up of a year.


METHODS
24 hospitals throughout The Netherlands.


METHODS
329 patients with primary proximal femoral fractures.


METHODS
Functional results and complications.


RESULTS
19 patients died in hospital and 6 were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 304 who were fully documented, 241 (80%) became fully mobile, 59 (19%) moderately mobile, and 4 remained bedridden. 264 patients had no pain, 38 had moderate pain and used oral painkillers, and 2 had severe pain that was difficult to treat. Major technical complications occurred in 17 patients: alignment and locking gave rise to most problems, 4 patients developed deep infections, and 7 patients needed additional measures before the fracture was solid.


CONCLUSIONS
The long Gamma nail in the treatment of extensive proximal femoral fractures gave good functional results with acceptable rates of complications and union problems.
van Doorn
R
R
Department of Surgery, Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Stapert
J W
JW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies