Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur: treatment with ASIF blade plate fixation.

Management of the severely comminuted subtrochanteric fracture of the femur has been extremely difficult due to problems in stabilization, failure of fixation, and/or failure of the device, as well as associated high morbidity and mortality. Twenty-three such fractures treated with the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (ASIF) blade plate fixation are reviewed. There were 17 primary unions (0 to 6 months), two delayed unions (6 to 12 months), and two nonunions with device failure, requiring reoperation and bone grafting before healing. There were two deaths, but only one was due to postoperative complications. This review indicates that ASIF blade plates provide adequate stabilization and fixation with a high rate of union in these fractures.