The Long Gamma Nail in the Treatment of 329 Subtrochanteric Fractures with Major Extension into the Femoral Shaft

• Published in: The European journal of surgery 2000, Vol.166 (3), p.240-246
• Main Authors: van Doorn, Ron, Stapert, Jouwert W. J. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1102-4151; 1741-9271
• DOI: 10.3109/110241500750009357

Objective: To study the outcome of treating extensive proximal femoral fractures with the long Gamma nail. Design: Retrospective study, with a minimum follow-up of a year. Setting: 24 hospitals throughout The Netherlands. Subjects: 329 patients with primary proximal femoral fractures. Main outcome measures: Functional results and complications. Results: 19 patients died in hospital and 6 were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 304 who were fully documented, 241 (80%) became fully mobile, 59 (19%) moderately mobile, and 4 remained bedridden. 264 patients had no pain, 38 had moderate pain and used oral painkillers, and 2 had severe pain that was difficult to treat. Major technical complications occurred in 17 patients: alignment and locking gave rise to most problems, 4 patients developed deep infections, and 7 patients needed additional measures before the fracture was solid. Conclusions: The long Gamma nail in the treatment of extensive proximal femoral fractures gave good functional results with acceptable rates of complications and union problems.