• T Fritz, C Weiss, C Krieglstein, and A Quentmeier.
• University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Traumatology, INF 110, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
• Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1999 Jan 1; 119 (5-6): 308-14.

AbstractIn a prospective controlled study we analysed the classic nail, a new intramedullary implant for the fixation of peritrochanteric fractures. By means of lateral bending of 4 degrees, unreamed implantation is generally possible. Our collective of 85 patients was characterized by elderly mean age (82.3 years), a predominance of female patients (4.3 : 1), a minor trauma aetiology without relevant additional injuries, and a high rate of concomitant disease (92%). Only 31A-type femur fractures were treated, with a low specific complication rate of 13%, whereby operative revision was necessary in only two patients (3%). A good anatomic reconstruction and full weight-bearing with the osteosynthesis was achieved in the majority of patients. No secondary shaft fractures and only one case of cutting out was observed. The mortality (30 days: 18%, 6 months: 25%) as well as the high rate of unspecific complications (20%) were caused by the patients' multiple morbidity. Deficits in the Merle d'Aubigne score at follow-up after 6 months can be interpreted within the same context. Nevertheless, 85% could return to their former social environment and only 15% became dependent on a nursing institution in connection with the fracture treatment.

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