Closed treatment of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur in a modified cast-brace.

We studied a series of fifteen consecutive subtrochanteric fractures treated in a long quadrilateral cast-brace with a pelvic band. Patients with severely comminuted fractures in which stability cannot be obtained by internal fixation, as well as those with open fractures, are considered candidates for such treatment. Treatment with preliminary traction followed by a ambulatory cast-brace with a pelvic band resulted in a shorter period of treatment, an excellent range of motion of the hip and knee, and no non-unions in the fifteen comminuted or open fractures. Shortening, angulation, and rotational deformity were not significant complications. It must be emphasized that this treatment regimen requires exacting attention to detail by the treating physician. The amount of time needed from the physician in this form of treatment is considerably greater than that after open reduction and internal fixation.