Intramedullary nailing versus fixed angle blade plating for subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a prospective randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare closed intramedullary nailing to open reduction and internal fixation using a fixed angle blade plate for the management of subtrochanteric femoral fractures.


METHODS
58 patients were equally randomised to undergo either an intramedullary nailing (IN) or fixed angle blade plating (BP).


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to age, time to surgery, operating time, receipt of blood transfusions, duration of hospital stay, or fracture classification. The revision rate was 28% (8/29) in the BP group and none in the IN group; the difference was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal fixation using a fixed angle blade plate for subtrochanteric femoral fractures has higher implant failure and revision rates, compared to closed intramedullary nailing.
Rahme
D M
DM
St George Hospital, Sydney, Australia. drahme@optusnet.com.au
Harris
I A
IA
D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome