Factors affecting sliding of the lag screw in intertrochanteric fractures

A retrospective study of 76 intertrochanteric fractures was undertaken to evaluate the failures of fixation. In every case anatomical reduction was attempted, and 135 degrees sliding compression screws and plates were used for fixation. In 2 cases, the screw penetrated into the joint and there were 8 cases where there was excessive sliding of the implant. These complications were only found in unstable fractures. They occurred most frequently in elderly patients, and when the distal fragment was displaced medially and anteriorly.