The Clinical Study of Subtrochanteric Fracture of the Femur

Kang, Chang Soo; Song, Kwang Soon; Pyun, Young Sik; Shon, Sung Won; Kwon, Young Chul; Park, Oon Jung

Abstract

The Subtrochanteric fracture requires long period healing time and is difficult for treatment because it occurs in bone that is predominantly cortical and high stress concentrates in this region. The Subtrochanteric fracture is difficult for the reduction and maintenance because many of these fractures are comminuted from high velocity trauma and the angulation rotation occurs by the influence of the surrounding large and powerful muscles. During the period of February, 1980 to April, 1985, 62 cases of Subtrochanteric fractures were admitted and treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, and results were obtained as follows: 1. Of 62 cases, 42 in man and 20 in woman and diffuse in ages. 2. Causes of Subtrochanteric fractures were 32 cases of traffic accidents, 21 cases of fall or slip down, 5 cases of others, and 3 cases of pathologic fractures. 3. Of 62 cases, Type I by Zickel classification was predominant (33 cases), and Type III-A, "three-part spiral fracture" by Seinsheimer was predominant (24 cases). 4. The better results can be achieved through the bone graft in severe comminuted fracture and through the provision of good cortical load-bearing medially between the fragment during the reduction and fixation. 5. Earlier bone union and low complication of metallic failure and nonunion were achieved with Compression Hip Screw rather than Jewett nail. 6. The causes for the 6 metallic failure cases were comminuted fracture of medial cortical bone, failure in contact and fixation of medial free fragment, and weight bearing before complete union was achieved. 7. There was a breakage in nail-plate junction when Vitalium jewett nail was used. Also there were breakage and loosening of screws when Stainless steel Jewett nail was used. 8. Further studies in the advantages and disadvantages of Zickel nail, Ender nail, Compression Hip Screw, and Kuntscher nail treatment of subtrochanteric fracture are needed.