Subtrochanteric metastatic lesions treated with the long gamma nail.

From 1996 to 2002, 39 consecutive intramedullary reconstructions (three bilateral) in 36 patients were performed in a group of subtrochanteric femoral metastatic bone disease using the long gamma nail (LGN). Reconstruction was performed prophylactically in 28 femurs and, for actual fractures in 11. All patients achieved good functional results with pain relief and improved mobility. No major intraoperative complication or long-term mechanical failures were observed. Minor technical, medical and implant related complications were seen in 14 patients. The LGN is a valuable intramedullary reconstruction device with good functional outcome for the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral metastatic bone disease.