UNSTABLE INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY COMPARING ANATOMICAL REDUCTION AND MEDIAL DISPLACEMENT OSTEOTOMY

We conducted a prospective randomised trial to compare the results of anatomical reduction and medial displacement osteotomy in 127 consecut ive patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures, of whom 109 co mpleted the study. After an average follow-up of 11 months, we found n o significant differences in walking ability, social status or failure of fixation in the two groups. Postoperative complication rates and t he early mortality rate were not significantly different, but operatin g time and blood loss were significantly higher in the osteotomy group . With the use of modern sliding hip screws, medial displacement osteo tomy is rarely indicated for unstable intertrochanteric fractures.