A novel technique for reducing intertrochanteric hip fractures

Intertrochanteric hip fractures typically become deformed by the muscular and gravitational forces acting on the 2 main bony fragments. Traditional use of a fracture table for anatomical reduction normally corrects for the varus angulation, external rotation, and posterior sag that can occur, but, in select unstable and comminuted fractures, reduction may not be possible because of posterior sag and external rotation of the proximal fragment. These aspects of malreduction have been addressed in multiple ways, including use of unscrubbed assistants, crutches, internal rotation of the distal fragment by internal rotation of the foot, bumps and pads, and even intraoperative techniques. However, these techniques tend to adjust only 1 aspect of malreduction and may require intraoperative adjustment. In this article, we describe a novel surgical device, the pneumatic patient positioner, that can be used to address these deformities without the need for intraoperative adjustment.