Hip Pelvis.  2018 Jun;30(2):129-133. 10.5371/hp.2018.30.2.129.

Failure of a Rotation Control Gamma 3 Lag Screw Used to Treat a Trochanteric Fracture

• Choi K
• Kim Y
• Zhou S
• Hwang J

• KMID: 2412696
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2018.30.2.129

Abstract

Gamma 3 rotation control lag screws (U-blade) are particularly useful when treating rotational and unstable fractures of the proximal femur. A 93-year-old woman who underwent closed reduction of a trochanteric fracture and internal fixation with a Gamma 3 nail rotation control lag screw. The patient presented with metal failure and U-blade bending following a fall occurring 4 weeks after surgery. Here, we present a case report summarizing removal of the failed lag screw.

Keyword

Lag screw; Gamma 3 nail; Trochanteric fracture

MeSH Terms

Female
Femur*
Humans

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A 93-year-old woman with a trochanteric fracture was admitted via an emergency center.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Radiograph immediately following surgery indicates good reduction quality. (B) Cross table lateral view.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Reduction loss is observed in the anteroposterior plane X-ray scan. (B) U-blade is bent in the femoral head in the cross table lateral view.

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  Fig. 4 The U-blade was spread and bent in the femoral head.

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  Fig. 5 (A) The femoral head was split prior to lag screw removal and U-blade placement in the femoral head. (B) Visualization of the bent U-blade.

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  Fig. 6 (A) Immediate postoperative radiography shows bipolar hemiarthroplasty with hook plate. (B) Cross table lateral view.

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