Pathological fractures of the proximal femur treated with the Variwall reconstruction nail.

Abstract

Ten patients with pathological proximal femoral fractures were treated with the Variwall reconstruction nail. There were five intertrochanteric, one combined shaft and neck, and four subtrochanteric fractures fixed by this method. The mean age was 71 (54-90). The purpose of this study was to assess the use of a reconstruction nail in pathological fractures around the intertrochanteric region. The Variwall nail was found to be relatively easy to insert with no operative complications. Follow up was for a minimum 4 months. Most patients achieved our aim of good pain relief coupled with improved mobility and thus were easier to nurse. Even with extensive metastases in the femur, the nail provided sound stability to permit early weight bearing. There were no complications related to the nail.