Subtrochanteric fracture treatment: a retrospective study of 46 patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether or not reconstruction of the medial cortex in subtrochanteric fracture can reduce the risks of internal fixation failure, fracture malunion, and nonunion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2008, 46 patients with subtrochanteric fracture were treated with intramedullary nailing and followed up. The average age was 42 years. According to the Seinsheimer classification, 26 patients were type IIIA, 7 were type IIIB, 11 were type IV and 2 were type V. Medial cortex alignment was achieved under traction in 40 cases. In 5 cases, the medial fractures were too far away and we used minimally invasive open reduction with wire or titanium cable cerclage. In 1 case of type IIIA subtrochanteric fracture, the displaced medial fracture was not reconstructed and was fixed with a long Gamma nail. We reviewed all patients' radiographs before and after treatment to evaluate bone healing. RESULTS The 46 patients were followed up for an average of 24.3 months. Bone union was achieved within an average of 18.7 weeks in 45 cases. One case, a type IIIA fracture nonunion with displaced medial fracture, was not reconstructed. Instead, we used a free fibular transplantation on the medial side and fracture union was achieved 6 months after revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS In reconstructing the medial cortex in subtrochanteric fracture treatment, continuity and integrity are important. They can reduce the failure of internal fixation and the incidence of nonunion.