[Modified Ender nail in the treatment of unstable peritrochanteric fractures]

The distal migration of the nails has been described as the most common complication in the treatment of the unstable peritrochanteric fractures with Ender nailing. Because of his design and site of insertion Ender nails are backing out secondary to collapse and impaction of the fractures. Author presented a new modified Ender nails with special notches on its surface, which was used in 19 males and 3 females aged 37-86 (mean 56.9) with unstable peritrochanteric fractures. Three patient died before solid union was achieved. Among 19 patient with healed fractures, distal backing of the new nails was observed in one. In six patients distal migration of the nails was less than 1 cm. Roughening of the nail's surface reduce the risk of distal migration in the treatment of unstable peritrochanteric fractures by Ender method.