Sliding after Internal Fixation of Stable Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur

Abstract

The patients were 40 females and 21 males with an average age of 74 (range, 54~99). We measured vertical and horizontal shortening in regard to age, sex, bone mineral density, neck-shaft angle, cancellous bone defect, and the existence of lessor trochanter fracture on postoperative 6 months. Results: The average vertical shortening was 4.1 mm (0~22 mm) and the average horizontal shortening was 7.3 mm (0~30 mm). Age, sex, bone density and neck-shaft angle were not significantly related with vertical and horizontal shortening (p>0.05). Vertical shortening was significantly greater in the group with cancellous bone defect and in the group without lesser trochanter fracture (p<0.05). Conclusion:Proper management for fracture site and fixation was needed to make it stable because the stable intertrochanteric fracture with cancellous bone defect and intact lesser trochanter could be induced into unexpected sliding.