title: Results of dynamic condylar screw for subtrochanteric fractures.
abstract: A consecutive series of 58 patients, treated with the dynamic condylar screw (DCS) for subtrochanteric fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The mechanism of injury was low-energy in 47 cases and high-energy in 11 cases. Five patients died before fracture healing. Ten out of 11 young patients, (nine with high-energy injuries), united primarily. In contrast, the primary union rate in the elderly was 74%. Implant failure was seen in 11 cases (20%). Restricted weight bearing status post-operatively was associated with significantly lower incidence of implant failure (P<0.05, chi(2)-test). The use of bone graft was not related to fracture union (P>0.5). After revision surgery the overall union rate in the elderly was 90%. Using the DCS, the results were good in the young patients with high-energy injuries. However, the implant failure rate is high in elderly patients who suffer low-energy fractures. The DCS should not be used if weight bearing cannot be minimized in this group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
authors.forename: Sushrut S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.forename: Christopher G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Moran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome