Biomechanical evaluation of the Ender's pins, the Harris nail, and the dynamic hip screw for the unstable intertrochanteric fracture.

While intramedullary fixation may have less operative morbidity than sliding plate systems, there also may be a loss of stability and strength of the fixation. In a biomechanical study with simulated unstable intertrochanteric fractures in cadaver femurs, multiple Ender's pins were 18% stronger than the single Harris nail. Compression hip screws were three times stronger than the Harris nail and two and one-half times stronger than Ender's pins. The compression hip screw was five times more rigid than either condylocephalic system.