External fixation of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly high-risk patients

Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with an external fixator in 38 elderly high-risk patients between November 2005 and February 2007. The mean operation time was 25 min (range: 20 to 32 min), the mean fluoroscopy time was 15 sec (range: 10 to 18 sec), and the mean hospital stay was four days (range: 3 to 7 days). The average time to union was 9.5 weeks. No deep pin track infections occurred; superficial skin inflammation was seen in 30%. Implant failure or knee stiffness were noted in no instance. At the latest follow-up, the mean femoral shaft-neck angle was 130 degrees (range: 116 degrees to 138 degrees), the average Harris hip score was 64 (range: 50-80). Mortality rate was 8% at 6 months from causes unrelated to the operation. The use of a multiplanar external fixator in these patients provided a satisfactory stability, reduced their time in hospital and facilitated their postoperative rehabilitation.