Long gamma nail in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_41FCC4331E0F
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Long gamma nail in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures.
Journal
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Author(s)
Borens O., Wettstein M., Kombot C., Chevalley F., Mouhsine E., Garofalo R.
ISSN
0936-8051
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2004
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
124
Number
7
Pages
443-7
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article - Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of subtrochanteric fractures treated with a long gamma nail (LGN). The LGN has been the implant of choice at our level-1 trauma center since 1992. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 7 years, we have treated 90 consecutive patients with subtrochanteric fractures. In order to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, we reviewed the clinical and radiographic charts of these patients followed for a mean time of 2 years (range 13-36 months). RESULTS: We found no intra- or perioperative complications nor early or late infection. Clinical and radiological union was achieved at a mean of 4.3 months in all of the patients (range 3-9 months); in 24 cases (30%) the distal locking bolts were retrieved in order to enhance callus formation and remodeling as a planned secondary surgery. Three patients (3.3%) needed unplanned secondary surgery for problems related to the nailing technique. Two mechanical failures with breakage of the nail were encountered due to proximal varus malalignment, of which one was treated with exchange nailing and grafting and the other one by removal of the broken hardware, blade-plating, and bone grafting. One fracture below a short LGN was treated by exchange nailing. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive technique and simple application of the LGN lead to a low percentage of complications in these difficult fractures after a relatively short learning curve. The biomechanical properties of this implant allow early mobilization and partial weight-bearing even in patients with advanced osteoporosis.
Keywords
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Bone Nails, Equipment Design, Female, Femoral Fractures, Follow-Up Studies, Fracture Fixation, Internal, Humans, Leg Length Inequality, Male, Middle Aged, Reoperation, Retrospective Studies, Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive, Treatment Outcome
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
24/01/2008 15:17
Last modification date
20/08/2019 13:43
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