Use of auxiliary locking plates for the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures

Orthopedics. 2015 May;38(5):305-9. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20150504-04.

Abstract

Pertrochanteric femur fractures are successfully treated by orthopedic surgeons worldwide, but maintaining the reduction status or fixation of the greater trochanter is sometimes difficult in unstable cases in elderly patients. Several biomechanical advantages have been reported in locking plates when compared with conventional plates; locking plates provide angular and axial stability, better rigidity, and no toggling, and they preserve periosteal blood supply. The authors describe the use of auxiliary locking plates in unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. Mini locking plates are simple, straightforward, and versatile enough to be used in elderly patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods*
  • Bone Plates*
  • Bone Screws
  • Epiphyses / diagnostic imaging
  • Epiphyses / surgery
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Joint / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / surgery*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome