[Subtrochanteric fractures treated with interlocking endomedullary nailing].

OBJECTIVE

Determine the efficacy of the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures with interlocking endomedullary nailing.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational descriptive study. The clinical series reported analyzes the results of nineteen patients with a diagnosis of subtrochanteric fracture who were treated at various hospitals during the period 2000-2004. The fracture was classified according to the AO criteria and the Russell-Taylor classification. The final assessment is described using Sanders et al's Traumatic Hip Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

The series includes thirteen male and six female patients. Mean age was 36 years. The mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents and gunshot wound. Mean follow-up was 18 months. Fracture healing time was 3 months. In two patients healing occurred in varus (< 50) and they have shortening < 2 cm. According to the score in the Sanders et al scale, 10 results were excellent, 8 good and one fair.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend the use of a monoblock-type of interlocking endomedullary nail to treat subtrochanteric fractures. This method is an alternative to closed interlocking endomedullary nailing.