The classic nail in the therapy of trochanteric fractures - A prospective,controlled study

In a prospective controlled study we analysed the classic nail, a new intra medullary implant for the fixation of peritrochanteric fractures. By means of lateral bending of 4 degrees, unreamed implantation is generally possibl e. Our collective of 85 patients was characterized by elderly mean age (82. 3 years), a predominance of female patients (4.3:1), a minor trauma aetiolo gy without relevant additional injuries, and a high rate of concomitant dis ease (92%). Only 31A-type femur fractures were treated, with a low specific complication rate of 13%, whereby operative revision was necessary in only two patients (3%). A good anatomic reconstruction and full weight-bearing with the osteosynthesis was achieved in the majority of patients. No second ary shaft fractures and only one case of cutting out was observed. The mort ality (30 days: 18%, 6 months: 25%) as well as the high rate of unspecific complications (20%) were caused by the patients' multiple morbidity. Defici ts in the Merle d'Aubigne score at follow-up after 6 months can be interpre ted within the same context. Nevertheless, 85% could return to their former social environment and only 15% became dependent on a nursing institution in connection with the fracture treatment.