RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of additional fixation of the alternative bone substitute in unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute and only with gamma nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic comparison was done between forty-four patients of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (AO type A2.2, A2.3) during six months. The patients were divided into two groups, a group treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute (22 patients, group 1) and another group treated only with gamma nail (22 patients, group 2). Postoperative reduction status, Cleveland index, Tip-apex distance and complications during the follow-up period was compared. Lag screw slippage and femoral neck-shaft angle change were measured between two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference of reduction status, Cleveland index and Tip-apex distance was found. In group II, there was a 1 more case of cutting-out of the lag screw, but also there was a significant difference. Lesser change in lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change was investigated. CONCLUSION: As there are lesser lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change, alternative bone substitutes applied in unstable intertrochanteric fractures seems to be useful in maintaining reduction and preventing failure of internal fixation when proper reduction and screw insertion is performed.