Bent plate fixation in combined intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Twenty-five combined intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (Type IV of Kyle's or Type V of Seinsheimer's classification) were treated with a bent plate and followed up through union (average: 2 years). All of the patients received immediate supplementary bone grafting and additional external supports. All but one of the fractures united between 3 and 6 months. Complications were: delayed union (1 case), which was treated by bone graft, trochanteric bursitis (3), and mild coxa vara (2). Anatomical reduction of scattered fragments and its maintenance through bony union were achieved in all cases. The bent plate provided excellent fixation in combined intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture of the femur, and could be a successful alternative for these combined fractures.