Subtrochanteric fractures: treatment with cerclage wire and long intramedullary nail

J Orthop Trauma. 2013 Jul;27(7):e157-60. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0b013e31826fc03f.

Abstract

Fracture malalignment and nonunion are not infrequent after treating subtrochanteric fractures with intramedullary nails. The use of a cerclage wire with a minimally invasive approach to aid and maintain reduction in certain subtrochanteric fracture patterns can be an effective surgical strategy to improve outcome. It allows the surgeon to obtain and maintain an anatomic reduction with more bone contact, which will aid in fracture consolidation. This has the added advantage of optimizing the greater trochanteric starting point. It minimizes malreductions of the proximal femoral fragment, and, we believe, that its rational use with a minimally invasive technique is a key factor in achieving good results.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Nails*
  • Bone Wires*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods
  • Hip Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hip Fractures / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Suture Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Sutures*
  • Treatment Outcome