Abstract
We present a new inflatable self-locking intramedullary nailing system for the treatment of intertrocanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.
Material: We used this system in 63 cases with an average age of 81 yrs. 23 cases were intertrochanteric fractures and 40 cases subtrochanteric. A standard technique of closed reduction was used and the nail was implanted through an entry portal at the tip of the great trochanter.
Results. 38 patients were available for clinical and radiological examination. 13 patients were contacted by telephone and 12 patients could not be reached. The patients were mobilized with the instruction of weight bearing as tolerated. Each fracture was consolidated on average of 8 weeks. In two patients a cut out of the central peg was noted and the system was removed after fracture union. In three patients a mild malalignment was noted but without clinical significance. The mean blood loss was 90 cc and the mean operative time was 36 minutes.
Discussion The features of this system and the advantage of the technique include: fixation along the entire length of the nail, lack of distal interlocking screws, reduced exposure of the surgeon to x-ray and reduced operating time. Our results are very promising and it seems that this system is an innovative, effective, simple and minimally invasive treatment for fractures on the trochanteric region.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
