Subcapital fractures of the femur treated with two thin Smith-Petersen nails

The results of treatment of 71 patients with subcapital fractures of the femur, fixed with two thin Smith-Petersen nails, are presented, after a follow-up time of between 2 and 4 years. Excellent results of treatment were achieved in 39 out of 60 cases and good results in 11 cases. Six cases of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head were recorded, and there were four cases with pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck, one developed because of postoperative infection and three were attributed to an imperfect operative technique. The method is recommended for subcaptial femoral neck fractures amenable to closed reduction and internal fixation. Pseudarthrosis may be prevented by good reduction of the fracture and a careful nailing technique.