Treatment of subtrochanteric fractures with the AO dynamic condylar screw.

Abstract

The AO/ASIF dynamic condylar screw (DCS) was used for the operative treatment of 15 patients, nine women and six men, with subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. The mean age was 70 years (range 20-95 years). The patients were followed for 18 to 30 months. Three patients developed healing disturbances, two of whom had an insufficient medial cortical bone support. The fixation device failed in two hips and it loosened in one. We conclude that the DCS is an alternative to the 95 degrees angled blade-plate in the operative treatment of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. We also stress the importance of an adequate medial bone support.