title: Use of blocking screws in intramedullary fixation of subtrochanteric fractures.
abstract: Intramedullary fixation is the mainstay of treatment for femur fractures in the adult trauma population. With subtrochanteric fractures, accurate reduction and stable fixation become technically challenging. Adjuvant blocking screws in the proximal fragment can effectively be used to prevent varus and apex anterior malalignment when intramedullary nails are used in these fractures. Blocking screws decrease the canal volume, thereby allowing the intramedullary device to control the proximal segment. This aids in improving alignment between the proximal and distal fragments during reduction. We review the cases of six patients with proximal femur fractures who were treated with intramedullary nailing in conjunction with the placement of blocking screws.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
authors.forename: Nirav H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsman
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
authors.forename: Rajit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chakravarty
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. douglas.cerynik@drexelmed.edu.
authors.forename: Douglas L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Cerynik
keywords: Blocking screws; Femur fracture; Intramedullary nail; Subtrochanteric fractures