Management of pertrochanteric fractures in high-risk patients with an external fixation

In 44 surgical high-risk patients (ASA grade 3 or 4) pertrochanteric fractures were treated with a newly developed external fixator; all fractures healed within 14 weeks. Seven patients had a superficial pin tract infection and in 12 patients the fracture united with a shortening of 18 (5-30) mm. No implant failures or limitation of knee movements were recorded. Nine patients died during the first 6 months. The "pertrochanteric fixator" is a valuable alternative for treating high-risk, elderly patients.