Treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with locking proximal femoral plate

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of locking proximal femoral plate (LPFP) in treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods A total of 32 patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures were operated via Watson-Jones approach. According to the Evans classification, there were 16 patients with type Ⅲ fractures, 10 with type Ⅳ fractures and 6 with type Ⅴ fractures. The data of bone healing time and hip function scores according to Harris hip function score system were recorded for evaluating treatment outcomes. Results All the patients were followed up for an average 12.5 months, which showed fracture union within mean 10.4 weeks. There were no hip varus deformation, internal fixation failure and avaacular necrosis of femoral head, with total excellence rate of 84% according to Harris hip function score system. Conclusions LPFP is characterized by correspondence with configuration of proximal femur, stable fixation, less disturb to blood supply of femoral head, and hence is an effective treatment method for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation; internal; Locking proximal femoral plate