THE GAMMA NAIL, AN IDEAL IMPLANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF UNSTABLE FRACTURES IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Altogether we used the Gamma-Nail in 150 cases. We show here a series of 50 instable pertrochanteric femur fractures in very old patients wh ich we treated with a Gamma-Nail. All cases started with full weight b earing at the 4th day after operation. A clinical and radiological con trol 12 weeks later shows good mobilisation of the hip in 70% of the c ases. Shortening of the operated leg is rare in comparison of cases tr eated with a DHS. Two third of the patients returned after dismission of the hospital to the old social situation. The advantages in treatin g instable pertrochanteric femur fractures with the Gamma-Nail are imm ediate full weight bearing without risks of shortening of the operated leg and the closed reduction of the fracture.