Subtrochanteric locking screw–The key to success in intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

The introduction of proximal femoral nail improved the results in unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Several factors determine the outcome of intramedullary nail including working length of the nail. Addition of subtrochanteric locking screw to a reconstruction nail will reduce the working length providing biomechanical advantage.177 adult patients treated with reconstruction nail with a subtrochanteric locking screw for intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in our institution from January 2011 to December 2020 were prospectively analyzed. Final outcome is assessed by radiological union after a followup period of minimum 6 months postoperatively. 3 patients had varus malreduction, 4 patients had screw backout and one patient had screw migration. We didn’t encounter any wound complications in our study. Complication rates were much lesser when compared with studies done on standard proximal femoral nail.Reconstruction nail with a subtrochanteric locking screw reduces the working length of the nail and improves the outcome in intertrochanteric fractures.