THE DYNAMIC CONDYLAR SCREW IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OF THE FEMUR

We reviewed 43 patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated with th e AO dynamic condylar screw (DCS) to determine the medical and technic al complication rate. Seven patients died before union and nine sustai ned major medical complications. Thirty fractures united without event . There were six technical failures, three related to failure of the m edial buttress. The DCS can be used successfully in most subtrochanter ic fractures, although there is a considerable complication rate, whic h reflects the general condition of the patient and the biomechanics o f the proximal femur.