May–Thurner Syndrome after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Iliac vein compression syndrome, which results in thrombosis of the left iliac veins, was first described by May and Thurner in 1957. May– Thurner syndrome should be considered when deep vein thrombosis-like symptoms appear, especially in the left lower extremities without an invasive procedure. The authors encountered an interesting case of a middle-aged female patient, who presented with sudden pain, swelling and skin color changes to the left lower extremity after right total knee arthroplasty and was diagnosed May–Thurner syndrome by computed tomography venography. This case is of clinical significance in that the early diagnosis of May–Thurner syndrome in the left lower extremity was made, which might have been overlooked after right total knee arthroplasty. This case is reported with a review of the literature review.

Arthrodesis of the Knee Using a Retrograde Femoral Intramedullary Nail: Technical Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Arthrodesis is one of the last options available to obtain a stable, painless knee in patients who are unable to undergo reconstructive surgery due to a damaged knee joint. A variety of techniques have been used, including external fixation, internal fixation by compression plates, intramedullary fixation through the knee with a modular nail, and antegrade nailing through the piriformis fossa. Another option is the use of a short nail such as the Neff nail, the Wichita nail, or the Huckstep nail, but there are no commercial short nails available for use in Korea. This technical report describes a technique for knee arthrodesis using a retrograde femoral intramedullary nail.

Effect of chronic kidney disease on outcomes of total joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

Background@#This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the differences in preoperative comorbidities, postoperative mortality, the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and revision rate after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) between patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)(CKD group) and patients with normal kidney function (non-CKD group). @*Methods@#We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for studies assessing the effect of CKD on TJA outcome. This meta-analysis included studies that (1) compared the outcomes of TJA between the CKD and non-CKD groups; (2) compared the outcomes of TJA based on CKD stage; and (3) evaluated the risk factors for morbidity or mortality after TJA. We compared the mortality, PJI, and revision rate between CKD and non-CKD groups, and between dialysis-dependent patients (dialysis group) and non-dialysis-dependent patients (non-dialysis group). @*Results@#Eighteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. In most studies that assessed preoperative comorbidities, the number and severity of preoperative comorbidities were reported to be higher in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group. The risk of mortality was found to be higher in the CKD and dialysis groups compared with the respective control groups. In the studies based on administrative data, the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of PJI was significantly higher in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group; however, no significant difference between the groups was noted in the adjusted OR.After total hip arthroplasty (THA), the risk of PJI was higher in the dialysis group than in the non-dialysis group. No significant difference was noted between the groups in the rate of PJI following total knee arthroplasty. The revision rate did not significantly differ between the CKD and non-CKD groups in the studies that were based on administrative data. However, the unadjusted OR was significantly higher in the dialysis group than in the non-dialysis group. @*Conclusions@#Preoperative comorbidities and mortality risk were higher in the CKD and dialysis groups than in their respective control groups. The risk of revision was greater in the dialysis group than in the non-dialysis group, and the risk of PJI in the dialysis group became even greater after THA. Surgeons should perform careful preoperative risk stratification and optimization for patients with CKD scheduled to undergo TJA.

Unusual Semimembranosus Muscle Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Extrahepatic metastasis commonly occur in the lung, lymph, nodes, bone, and adrenal glands. On the other hand, a metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the skeletal muscle is rare. A 42-year-old woman presented for evaluation of a palpable mass with tenderness in her right thigh area. She has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and pulmonary metastasis seven years ago and has received treatment. We performed incisional biopsy with suspicion of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis from imaging studies and blood test results. The patient was finally diagnosed with metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the semimembranosus muscle and treated by extensive resection. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Modified Iliac Crest Reconstruction with Bone Cement for Reduction of Donor Site Pain and Morbidity after Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE: This study was to determine the efficacy of iliac crest reconstruction using bone cement in reducing pain and morbidity at the donor site in patients undergoing open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) with tricortical iliac crest autologous graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent iliac crest reconstruction using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement (group A) and thirty patients who had no iliac crest reconstruction (group B) were enrolled in this study. All patients were evaluated for pain and functional disability related to graft harvesting using the pain and functional visual analogue scale (VAS) score during hospital stay and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain and function. The pain VAS score was significantly lower in group A than group B during the first 2 weeks postoperatively (p=0.04) and the functional VAS score was also significantly lower in group A during the first 2 weeks postoperatively (p<0.001) in terms of breathing, sitting up from the supine position, and standing up with crutches from the sitting position. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac crest donor site reconstruction using PMMA bone cement in patients undergoing OWHTO significantly decreased pain and improved function during the first 2 weeks postoperatively when compared to patients who underwent OWHTO without iliac crest reconstruction.

Breakage of the Femoral Cross-Pin with Impending Rupture of the Popliteal Vessels after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Breakage of the femoral cross-pin with impending rupture of the popliteal vessels is a rare complication for femoral tunneling in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The authors experienced a case of impending rupture of the popliteal vessels following breakage of the cross-pin 16 days after primary ACL reconstruction. Impending rupture of the popliteal vessels was detected with ultrasonography following breakage of the cross-pins which caused popliteal discomfort and irritation. After removal of the broken cross-pins, previous ACL graft and interference screw with subsequent re-reconstruction of the ACL using a new allograft and interference screw, the patient showed satisfactory results and resolution of symptoms. Therefore we report on this case with a review of literature.

Treatment of Late-Onset Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease by Arthrodiastasis

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of arthrodiastasis for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. METHODS: Arthrodiastasis was conducted using external fixator devices (Orthofix) in 7 patients at least 8 years of age with a diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The average follow-up was 80 months (range, 32 to 149 months), and their average age was 9.1 years (range, 8 to 12 years). The results of treatment were evaluated by measuring the degree of hip pain and the range of motion of the hip at 6 months after the operation and comparing the values with preoperative measurements. Radiological recovery was evaluated by the epiphyseal index and compared with the preoperative values. At the final follow-up, clinical and radiological results were evaluated using the Iowa hip score and the Stulberg classification. RESULTS: On the clinical evaluation performed at 6 months after arthrodiastasis, the degree of pain decreased by 1.8 points on average, and the average flexion, internal rotation, and abduction increased by 35°, 16°, and 11°, respectively. Based on radiological findings, the epiphyseal index showed a remarkable increase of 6.6 on average (from 19 preoperatively to 26 postoperatively). At the final follow-up, the average Iowa hip score improved from 65 points preoperatively to 84 points. There were 1 Stulberg class I hip, 2 Stulberg class II hips, 3 Stulberg class III hips, 1 Stulberg class IV hip, and no Stulberg class V hip. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that arthrodiastasis using an external fixator can be a relatively promising surgical procedure for the treatment of late-onset Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

The Prognostic Factors of Neurologic Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the factors affecting recovery of spinal cord injury following cervical and thoracolumbar spine injuries. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Several authors have reported the factors to predict the prognosis of spinal cord injury, but the objective prognostic factors are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2006 to March 2013, a total of 44 patients with spinal cord injury were evaluated. Prognostic factors analyzed were sex, age, neurologic status, fracture type, time to operation, use of steroid, and signal change on MRI. We analyzed the relation between each factor and the neurologic recovery. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. The neurologic recovery was analyzed by the ASIA impairment scale at the first and the last neurologic examination. RESULTS: Among 44 patients, 15 sustained complete cord injury while 29 had incomplete cord injury. Significant neurologic recovery using the ASIA impairment scale was evaluated in the incomplete spinal cord injury group. Among this group, the prognosis for Brown-sequard syndrome is better than for central cord syndrome and anterior cord syndrome. There was no significant difference in other factors (fracture site, time to operation, use of steroid or signal change on MRI). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis in spinal cord injury is determined by the initial neurologic damage and neurologic recovery is not related with the fracture type, time to operation, use of steroid and signal change on MRI.

Short-Term Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty with Anterior-Posterior Glide LCS Mobile-Bearing System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the anterior-posterior glide (APG) low contact stress (LCS) mobile-bearing system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 130 knees in 117 patients who had undergone TKA with APG LCS mobile-bearing system between September 2005 and July 2007 and could be followed over 5 years. The mean follow-up period was 68 months. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated using the American Knee Society Scoring System, Oxford knee score and the American Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System. And we analyzed short-term postoperative complications. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the knee joint was 107.9degrees (range, 70degrees to 135degrees) preoperatively and 125.2degrees (range, 90degrees to 135degrees) at the last follow-up. The average knee and functional scores were improved from 39.1 and 42.0 to 71.2 and 75.6, respectively, between the preoperative and last follow-up evaluation. The Oxford knee score was decreased from 42.9 preoperatively to 23.1 at the last follow-up. The femoro-tibial angle (anatomical axis) changed from 10.1degrees varus preoperatively to 3.3degrees valgus at the last follow-up. Radiolucency was observed in 14% of all cases. There were 1 case of traumatic dislocation of the polyethylene liner, 1 case of aseptic loosening and 6 cases of posterior instability because of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: TKA with APG LCS mobile-bearing system demonstrated relatively good short-term clinical and radiological results. However, further considerations for posterior instability associated with PCL insufficiency are needed.

The Analysis of the Outcome of Short- and Long-Segment Posterior Instrumentation for Thoracolumbar Bursting Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: The reports comparing short- and long-segment instrumentation are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To determine the postoperative results and to analyze relative factors affecting results between short- and long-segment instrumentation in thoracolumbar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2012, 97 patients with thoracolumbar fracture were treated with posterior instrumentation. They were divided into 2 groups, the short- (Group I) and long-segment groups (Group II). To analyze factors affecting results, several factors including age, anterior column height (ACH), and the kyphotic angle were reviewed. For radiologic evaluation, postoperative and follow-up radiographs were evaluated by measuring the kyphotic angle and ACH. Additionally, the presence of complications was reviewed. RESULTS: Groups I and II consisted of 45, 52 cases and had mean ages of 50.3, 55.8 years, respectively. In Group I, the ACH increased from 44.2% to 75.3% postoperatively, and remained 72.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 19.4degrees to 10.6degrees postoperatively, and remained at 12.8degrees at follow-up. In Group II, the ACH recovered from 41.6% to 76.4% postoperatively, and was 74.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 21.6degrees to 12.6degrees postoperatively, and was 13.9degrees at follow-up. The canal compromise, age, and comminution were not directly related with results. However, the mean age of the 7 cases showing complications was 72 years, and the 7 cases had severe comminuted fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The short- and long-segment instrumentations of thoracolumbar fractures are not significantly different with respect to the results attained. However, in order to decrease complications, we should pay attention to age and fracture comminution.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the treatment results of fracture fixations by using two minimal invasive techniques for patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 36 patients (5 males, 31 females) of periprosthetic femoral fractures whom were treated surgically between January 2005 and January 2011. Mean patient age was 68.9 years (range, 43 to 81 years) old and the follow-up period averaged 41 months (range, 18 to 72 months). Nineteen patients were treated with minimal invasive locking plate fixations (group I) and 17 patients with retrograde intramedullary nailing (group II). Clinical and radiological outcomes in each group were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: Successful bone unions occurred in all patients and the mean time to bone union was 3.7 months in group I and 4.2 months in group II. There were no statistical differences between the two groups according to mean operative time and mean intraoperative blood loss. There were also no statistical differences between two groups according to clinical outcomes but the valgus deformity was apparent in group II and radiological outcomes revealed significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures after total knee arthroplasty, two minimal invasive techniques have shown good clinical results. However, the minimal invasive plate fixation showed better results in the radiological alignments.

Adenomyoepithelioma Located Over the Tibial Tuberosity

Adenomyoepithelioma is a rarely occurring tumor and its generation in the limbs is extremely rare. We report a case of an adenomyoepithelioma over the proximal tibial tuberosity that was treated without any complications after an excisional biopsy with a literature review.

Analysis of the Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures in Patients over 65 Years Old / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined therelationship between the clinical outcome and risk factors of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in patients over 65 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to March 2012, three hundred and twenty one patients older than 65 years, who underwent surgeryfor intertrochanteric femoral fractures, were evaluated. The following parameters wereanalyzed: the patient risk factors, such as age, sex, smoking, drinking history, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and delayed days to surgery; admission day of the week; anesthetic method; operation time by perioperative care related to clinical outcome including postoperative mortality; and complications. RESULTS: An analysis of the risk factors revealedfemale patients to have a 13% higher mortality (P=0.043). Aduration of surgerylonger than 3 hours was associated with a 29.1% and 20.8% higher mortality and complication rate, respectively (P<0.001, P=0.027). Asurgical delay of four days or more after admission wasassociated with a 20.1% and 18.8% higher mortality risk and complication rate, respectively (P<0.001, P<0.001). Smoking, drinking history, underlying disease, anesthetic method, and operation time had no significant effect on the outcome. CONCLUSION: In addition to recognizing the importance of patient-related risk factors, modifying the operative factors, such as reducing surgical delays and method of anesthesia, can reduce the mortality and postoperative complications of intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

Comparison of the Dyna Locking Trochanteric Nail, Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation and Gamma 3 Nail in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the radiological and clinical results after treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur by three devices including DLT, PFNA and Gamma 3 nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2012, we reviewed 131 patients who suffered intertrochanteric fractures(33 cases of DLT, 59 cases of PFNA, 39 cases of Gamma 3 nail). The following were measured for all three groups; The tip apex distance (TAD), neck shaft angle and lag screw position at the head of femur, as well as the amount of blood loss and transfusion, operation time, duration of hospitalization and postoperative ICU admission, complications were also assessed. RESULTS: In comparison of the radiological results, there were no statistical differences among the three groups in TAD, neck shaft angle and the lag screw position. There was no statistical difference in clinical results. In the last follow-up, there was one case of nonunion in the PFNA group. There also was, in the last follow up, a development of varus angulation & cut-out of lag screw that occurred in 2 cases (DLT), 4 cases (PFNA), 1 cases (Gamma 3). There was no statistical difference among the three groups in the sliding length of the lag screw. CONCLUSION: Any certain group was not better than the others with regard to the radiological and clinical results among DLT, PFNA and Gamma nail groups in treating intertrochanteric fracture. To achieve favorable results, precise reduction of fracture site and surgical techniques are important.

Corelation between the Treatment Result and Causative Bacteria in Amputation of Diabetic Foot / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate correlation between the clinical results and causative bacteria in diabetic foot patients with lower extremity amputation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty nine patients(131 feet) of diabetic foot amputations were followed for more than one year. Wound cultures were done by deep tissue or bone debris at first visit to our clinics. Retrospective analysis was performed using chart review and interview with the patients. Depending on the culture result, level of amputation, reinfection, duration of treatment, death rate, patient satisfaction and admission dates were evaluated. RESULTS: Microorganisms were confirmed in 114 cases. In the other 17 cases, there were no cultured microorganisms. In bacterial growth group, Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen and accounted for 34 cases. As other common pathogens, there were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(24 cases) and mixed infection(14 cases). Mortality is no difference in each infected group. Mixed bacterial infected patients have higher reinfection, longer hospital day and duration of treatment, but there is no difference in patients satisfaction and pain at last follow up. CONCLUSION: The most common pathogen in diabetic foot patients with lower extremity amputation was Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and mixed bacterial infected patients have higher reinfection rate, longer admission date and duration of treatment than other bacterial infected patients.

Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Hyaluronic Acid Injection on Osteochondral Defects in Rabbits' Knees

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment results of intraarticular injection according to the frequency of hyaluronic acid with mesenchymal stem cells on the osteochondral defect of rabbits' medial femoral condyles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5 mm diameter and 4 mm depth osteochondral defect was made on the medial femoral condyles of 18 rabbits, divided into six groups. One week after osteochondral defect, group B was injected intraarticularly with hyaluronic acid (HA), group C with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and group D, E and F with both HA and MSCs. Group E and F received second HA injection a week after. Further, group F received third HA injection in the third week. RESULTS: In a macroscopic evaluation, groups B (6; range, 5-8), C (6; range, 6-7), D (7; range, 6-7), E (6.5; range, 6-8) and F (7.5; range, 6-8) showed statistically significant improvements in osteochondral defect healing, compared with that of group A (4; range, 3-5) (p=0.002). In histological evaluation, groups B (11.5; range, 11-13), C (13; range, 12-18), D (16; range, 13-18), E (17.5; range, 13-20), and F (19.5; range, 12-22) showed statistically significant differences in osteochondral defect healing, compared with group A (8; range, 6-9) (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The intraarticular injections of MSCs or HA can play an effective role during the healing osteochondral defects in rabbits.

Anterior Knee Pain after Intramedullary Tibial Nailing / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To document the incidence and analyze the causes of anterior knee pain following closed intramedullary nailing for tibial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and February 2007, 50 tibial fractures (48 patients) were treated using locked intramedullary nails. We examined the relationship between postoperative anterior knee pain and age, gender distribution, mechanism of injury, cause and type of fracture, method of patellar tendon incision, and position of the nails on radiography. Anterior knee pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Pearson chi-square test was used to assess the incidence of knee pain. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up period of 16 months (range 13-30 months), 23 cases (46%) had developed anterior knee pain. Knee pain was more common in woman (p=0.000), but there was no statistically significant difference with regard to age, cause or type of fracture, reaming or incision technique. If the knee apex distance was below -30 mm on radiological analysis, there was no statistically significant increase in postoperative knee pain (p=0.000). Nail removal resolved or improved the symptoms in 77% of patients with anterior knee pain. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, nail prominence correlated with increased knee pain. We believe surgeons can decrease the severity of knee pain after tibial nailing by burying the tip of the nail as reflected on lateral radiographs.

Complication and Treatment Outcome of Degenerative Spinal Deformity Surgery in Elderly Patients / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVE: To analyze the complications, clinical outcome and any correlative risk factors of degenerative spinal deformity surgery in elderly patients. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There is some controversy regarding the postoperative complications and the factors influencing them in the elderly patients who had undergone degenerative spinal deformity surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy eight patients, who underwent posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion requiring a minimum 3 level fusion for a degenerative spinal deformity associated with spinal stenosis between May, 2001 and May, 2006, were reviewed after a follow-up period of at least 1 year. This study compared the postoperative complications and clinical outcomes of patients over 65 years (group A) with patients between 50~64 years (group B). The risk factors that could influence the complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The postoperative complication rate was 53% in group A and 40% in group B without statistical significance. However, group A had a significantly higher frequency of minor complications than group B, particularly in urinary retention and postoperative delirium. There was an association between diabetes and deep wound infection as a major complication in groups A and B. Being male was a risk factor for urinary retention and longer surgery time, and abundant blood loss was significant risk factors for postoperative delirium in group A. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the treatment result for degenerative spinal deformity between patients older than 65 and younger than 65. It is considered that the blood sugar should be controlled strictly before and after surgery, and appropriate management is needed for postoperative delirium and urinary retention in elderly patients.

Risk Factors for Adjacent Segment Disease after Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to analyze the treatment outcome and the risk factors for adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Biomechanical alterations likely play a primary role in causing adjacent segment disease. Radiographically apparent, asymptomatic adjacent segment disease is common after lumbar fusion, but this does not correlate with the functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 544 patients who underwent lumbar fusion at a minimum of 5-year follow-up between March 1993 and August 2006. Risk factors analysis was performed for 48 of 544 patients with adjacent segment disease and who were needed a second operation, and the treatment outcomes were assessed for 46 patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up after the second operation. The average interval to the second operation was 4.5 years, and the average follow-up after the second operation was 34.5 months. The treatment outcome was assessed by using the modified Brodsky criteria and the reoperation rate was assessed in relation to several risk factors. RESULTS: Excellent and good operative results were obtained in 29 cases (63%) and bony fusion was achieved in 41 cases (89%). Of the risk factors we examined, multi-level fusion, a high grade of initial radiographic degeneration, the loss of physiologic lumbar lordosis and the involvement of degenerative scoliosis were associated with a high reoperation rate, with statistical significance. Age, gender, the initial diagnosis, the upper placement of the proximal screws and the extent to the sacrum were not correlated with the reoperation rate. CONCLUSION: The treatment outcome was relatively satisfactory; however, the factors influencing the treatment outcome of the second operation still need to be considered. The fusion level, the initial radiographic degeneration, the preservation of lumbar lordosis and the involvement of degenerative scoliosis are considered to be risk factors for the failure of lumbar fusion.

Classification and Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture according to the Existence of Posterior Fragment : Preliminary Report

PURPOSE: To predict the feature and stability of intertrochanteric fractures with posterior fragment using preoperative 3D computed tomography and to investigate the importance of the posterior fragment in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 cases of unstable fractures with posterior fragment which were treated with nail only between October 2006 to August 2007 were classified into 2 groups: study group (5 cases with cannulated screw fixation of posterior fragment) and control group (10 cases without cannulated screw fixation). The average difference of neck-shaft angle, neck screw sliding distance and the complications in the two groups were compared retrospectively after a follow up of at least 3 months. RESULTS: The average difference of neck-shaft angle in study and control group was 3.8 and 7.5 degree (p>0.05), respectively. The average difference of neck screw sliding distance was 1.6 and 6.6 mm (p<0.05), respectively. Complication which required reoperation was not noted in study group and complications of 3 cases about neck screw lateral protrusion, proximal migration and Z-effect phenomenon were noted in control group. CONCLUSION: The recognition and fixation of the posterior wall was found to be an important predictive factor in unstable intertrochanteric fracture treatment.