Low nail-plate fixation and early weight-bearing ambulation for stable trochanteric fractures

Reduction of stable (Evans I and II) trochanteric fractures of the hip is in general a simple procedure. Using a low (145 degrees-150 degrees) nail-plate fixation (McLaughlin) for this type of fracture, early weight-bearing ambulation can be obtained. In the period from 1 January 1978 through 1 May 1982 52 stable trochanteric fractures in 52 patients were treated by low nail-plate fixation. Within 1 week postoperatively, the patients started full weight-bearing ambulation. The functional result was good in 88.2%. Despite the average age of 77.9 years the hospital mortality rate was 1.9%. On the basis of the results mentioned above, it is concluded that the described treatment of stable trochanteric fractures can be considered reliable.