Complications after trochanteric fractures. A comparison between Ender and nail-plate osteosynthesis

Three hundred and forty-one trochanteric femoral fractures operated with intramedullary nailing (Ender) or nail-plate osteosynthesis (McLaughlin) were followed up for 4 months and reoperations were recorded at 18 months. Both methods had an unacceptably high frequency of complications, radiographically in one third and reoperations in one tenth of the total material. The greatest number of operative technical problems was encountered in the Ender group. The 4-month radiographic follow-up showed more complications in unstable than in stable fractures for both methods. In stable fractures, the Ender group had more radiographic complications. There was a slightly better walking capacity at 4 months and fewer reoperations at 18 months in the McLaughlin group.