title: Minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and cephalomedullary nailing without cerclage cables for subtrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly: Surgical technique and results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment of subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly remains technically challenging, due to instability and osteoporosis, with high reoperation rates. Even if intramedullary nailing is the most reliable treatment, reduction is difficult and cerclage wiring remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 26 consecutive subtrochanteric fractures in elderly patients treated with a minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and cephalomedullary nailing without cerclage wiring.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2010 and September 2013. Data obtained from the medical records included patient's age, sex, classification of the fracture, the quality of reduction after surgery, and the presence of postoperative complications, especially fracture displacement and delayed union or nonunion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six patients had adequate radiographic and clinical follow-up. Mean age was 84.4 (range 75-96) years. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.6 months (6-14 months). Mean surgical time was 74.42 min (range 45-115 min). Twenty-four (92.3%) showed acceptable varus/valgus alignment, and no sagittal plane malunions were noted. The tip-apex distance was <25 mm in all cases. Distraction at the fracture was <10mm in 21 fractures. Three patients had limb length discrepancy of 1cm. All fractures healed uneventfully.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reducing the fracture before nailing is mandatory to achieve good results. Minimally invasive clamp reduction without cerclage wires, even if challenging, has proven to be a safe, reproducible, and effective surgical technique, with at least the same results as other series.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, Spain. Electronic address: mingojuan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mingo-Robinet
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torres-Torres
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, Spain.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moreno-Barrero
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Segovia, Spain.
authors.forename: Juan Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: García-González
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cephalomedullary nailing; Cerclage; Clamp reduction; Hip; Minimally invasive; Subtrochanteric fracture