Contoured plate fixation in subtrochanteric fractures of the femur

Seventeen patients with subtrochanteric fractures of the femur [Type III, and IV of Seinsheimer s classification] were treated with a contoured plate. The average follow-up period was 3 years. All of the patients received external support. An indirect reduction technique was used to gain optimal alignment and stability without aiming at anatomical reduction. All but one of the fracture united between 4 and 6 months. Complications were: delayed union [one case]; which was treated by bone graft; infection [one case] and mild coxa vara [one case]. Our conclusion is that the contoured plate provided good fixation in subtrochanteric fracture of the femur and could be a successful alternative for these fractures