Abstract
The results of medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures demonstrate that instability exists whenever there is lack of continuity of bone cortex on opposing surfaces of the 2 main fragments after reduction of the fracture. In 88 patients, 5 were lost to follow-up; 83 were reviewed personally by the authors at an average follow-up period of 27 months; the complication rate (both local and general) was high. Eight per cent showed non-union of the fracture; 13% developed deep infection (2 suffered from septicemia). Fifteen of 83 patients required a second operation. The mortality rate at 6 months was 13% owing to heart failure, bronchopneumonia or thromboembolism. Of the 56 living, only 24 (43%) demonstrated a good functional result. Medial displacement osteotomy should be combined with a sliding screw-plate device. Without a sliding screw plate, medial displacement osteotomy for unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur may not be as successful as would appear from reports in the literature.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 140-143 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Clinical orthopaedics and related research |
Volume | 137 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1978 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine