Pertrochanteric fractures of the femur treated with a Küntscher trochanter nail.

Thirty-nine patients with pertrochanteric fractures were treated with the Küntscher trochanter nail. Six were males and 33 females. Their mean age was 76 years. Excellent or good results of treatment were recorded in 25 cases, and good union of the fracture was noted in 19 patients within 4 months and in 15 cases as early as 2 months after the operation. The primary mortality rate was of the same order as with other methods of nailing, 15% in this series. The operation is easy and short, and is suitable at least for stable pertrochanteric fractures of elderly patients.