Complications Of Treatment Of The Subtrochanteric Fractures Of The Femur By Russell-Taylor Reconstruction Nail

Abstract

Thirty cases of closed subtrochantric fractures were treated in adults by Russell-Taylor Reconstruction nail between March 2004 and September 2005. Complications of this modality of treatment are described. Complications were divided intointraoperative and postoperative complications. Difficulty in the placement of proximal locking screw was the most common complication in the first group followed by difficulty in close reduction of the fracture. Amongst the postoperative complication proximal thigh pain and limb length discrepancy were the main complications. None of these complications, however, contributed adversely to the final outcome of results. The findings of this study revealed that Russell-Taylor Reconstruction nail is the preferred treatment for complex proximal femoral fractures and complications associated are minor and do not significantly contribute towards the final outcome. Moreover these complications decline as the learning curve progresses.