PURPOSE To evaluate trochanter stabilizing plate and compression hip screw can prevent excessive impaction and cutting-out in unstable intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred twenty-one patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated between December 1999 and March 2002. Of the patients, twenty-four patients were treated with an additional TSP on the CHS. Nineteen patients were followed for more than six months. The fractures were classified according to the AO classification. Impactions of compression lag screw were measured immediate postoperatively and postoperatively three months later on simple radiographs. Functional results were followed Salvati-Wilson assessment score at postoperative six months later. RESULTS The group consisted of seven men and twelve women, and the mean age was 73 years. Two were classified as A2.2, six A2.3, one A3.2, and ten A3.3 fractures. Mean impaction was 5.4 mm (range 1.8 to 11.4 mm). Functional results were excellent in 32% and good in 53%. Eighteen patients had healed after operation. One complication required a bipolar hemiarthroplasty due to cutting-out of lag screw. CONCLUSION In three-part and four-part intertrochanteric fractures with lateral cortex breakage or vertical fracture in greater trochanter, the addition of TSP to CHS can prevent abductor muscle weakness due to fracture impaction, limb shortening and additional lateral cortical fracture. It also helps early weight bearing and bone healing.
PURPOSE To analyise the effect of degree of force on trauma and degree of osteoporosis in femoral unstable intertrochanteric fracture's result of treatment using compression hip screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 1993 to December 1997, 55 patients who were operated with compression hip screw and followed up for more than 1 year were devided into high and low energy injured group by the mechanism of the trauma and also devided low(gradeIV,V,VI) and high grade osteoporosis group(gradeI,II,III) by Singh's index. We analize and compare the result of treatment in each groups. RESULTS The averrage rate of mechanincal complication was 24%. The mechanical complication rate of the high grade osteoporosis group(34%) was higher than low grade osteoporosis group(9%)(p<0.05). The average subsidence of compression screw was 9.9mm and it shows significant difference between low(7.8mm ) and high grade osteoporosis group(11.5mm )(p<0.05). The average increased varus deformity of neckshaft angel during follow up was 3.8degrees and it shows singnificant defference between high energy injuried group(4.6degrees ) and low energy injuried group(2.7degrees)(p<0.05). No difference was seen in each groups for time of bone union(p>0.05). In view of functional recovery by Clawson's method, no difference between pre-injury and postoperative state was seen in 7 cases(22%) in high grade osteoporosis group and 13 cases(57%) in low grade osteoporosis group, thus worse functional recovery was seen in high grade osteoporosis group. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher mechanical complication rate, more compression screw subsidence and worse functional recovery in high grade osteoporosis group and more varus deformity in high energy injured group. Thus we need more attension to treatment and follow up in high energy injured, severe osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fracture.