Evaluation and treatment of high subtrochanteric femur fractures

This retrospective study reviews the biomechanical factors and surgical approaches for the treatment of high subtrochanteric femur fractures to determine whether management should be directed toward using an intramedullary or extramedullary device. Results have demonstrated that both plates and intramedullary implants work equally well, with intramedullary implants resulting in significant decreases in surgical times and blood losses. Because intramedullary devices can now be placed through percutaneous trochanteric insertions, they have become more attractive for the management of these injuries. However, intramedullary devices may be difficult to use in fractures presenting with a trochanteric extension, and adjunctive reduction techniques are still required to obtain fracture reductions and prevent varus malunions. When deciding on which technique to use, surgeons should evaluate the fracture pattern and determine whether the implants and techniques that are familiar to them will allow good functional outcomes, high rates of unions, and low rates of complications.