Critical Analysis of Ender Nailing in the Treatment of Trochanteric Fractures

Abstract

A consecutive series of 152 trochanteric fractures treated by Ender nailing has been analysed. the mortality was 5 per cent after 3 weeks and the infection rate 2.6 per cent.

The follow-up was attended by 139 patients, 41 having had stable and 98 unstable trochanteric fractures. in the group with stable fractures, secondary displacement of the fracture or the nails occurred in 12 per cent and knee pain in 32 per cent, necessitating re-operation in 22 per cent of these patients. the corresponding figures for the unstable fractures were 64 per cent secondary displacement, 59 per cent knee pain and 46 per cent reoperations.

The results are discussed and it is concluded that, with an improvement in fracture reduction and operative technique, it may be possible to successfully treat stable trochanteric fractures with Ender nailing. However, this method cannot be recommended for unstable trochanteric fractures.

Key Words:

• femoral neck fractures
• fracture fixation