Zickel nail: a retrospective study of subtrochanteric fractures

Nineteen subtrochanteric fractures were treated at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and Medical Center between March 1973 and March 1976 by open reduction and internal fixation using the Zickel nail. Postoperative roentgenograms showed the cross-nail exiting the femoral neck in three of the cases, but this later proved not to be significant. Of the 16 patients available for follow-up all were ambulatory unassisted or with a walker within two months of surgery. Radiographically evident healing averaged 4.1 months. There were no non-unions and no infections. Our data support the use of the Zickel nail in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures.