The treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures using a sliding screw-medial displacement technique

A consecutive series of 61 unstable intertrochanteric fractures internally stabilized with a compression hip screw utilizing a medial displacement technique at a teaching institution is reviewed. Of the 50 fractures with adequate followup, osseous union occurred in 48. There were two cases of mechanical failure and two deep wound infections. Average limb shortening was 1.8 cm. The 6-week mortality rate was 6%. This experience suggests that this approach carries a low incidence of mechanical failure, acceptable morbidity and mortality rates, and no excessive shortening.