Condylocephalic nailing in pertrochanteric fractures.

Abstract

Because of the spectacular increase in the number of fractures of the proximal end of the femur, especially in the elderly, there is a great interest to find surgical techniques that are simple, decrease mortality, and restore early the functional status of the patients, thus reducing the hospital stay. From 1969 until 1989, 2660 fractures were treated with the Küntscher condylocephalic (KC) nail. The mean age of patients was 79 years, and the general condition was considered to be good in only 23%. Death in the ensuing three months occurred in 12.5%. Complications of the technique were supracondylar fractures (1.8%) and migrations of the nails (17.4%). Bone healing occurred at eight to 12 weeks. Only 15% of patients failed to walk. Mean cervicodiaphyseal postoperative angle was 155 degrees. As compared with other surgical techniques, the KC nail was easier to insert, in relatively less operating time, and knee problems of Ender's nail operations can be avoided. The KC nail was most suitable for the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.