Use of an interlocked cephalomedullary nail for subtrochanteric fracture stabilization

Forty-five Russell-Taylor Type 1B subtrochanteric femoral fractures were stabilized using an interlocked cephalomedullary nail. The intraoperative complication rate was 13.5%; the most frequent complication was a varus malreduction. The union rate was 100% at an average of 13.5 weeks after surgery; there were no implant failures. Forty-three of 45 (96%) patients regained greater than 120 degrees knee motion. Based on these results it is thought that an interlocked cephalomedullary nail may be the implant of choice for stabilization of Russell-Taylor Type 1B fractures; however, its proper use requires careful intraoperative technique, with particular attention given to avoid a varus malreduction.