Treatment of trochanteric fractures by external fixator in patients with high unacceptable operative risk

ABSTRACT

External fixation has been used for the management of fractures since a long period of time. Good fixation, mild blood loss and early ambulation are always the main advantages for this technique. Other advantages include it is simple, quick, inexpensive and causes minimal surgical trauma. The goal of this study was to report and evaluate the place of external fixation in the treatment of trochanteric fractures in patients with high unacceptable operative risk to withstand conventional osteosynthesis and to obviate the many disadvantages of traction and prolonged rest in bed. From January 1998 to December 2000, 22 patients, 6 males and 16 female, mean age 65.03 years, suffering from trochanteric fracture and considered preoperatively as "poor medical status"; were treated by external fixation and early mobilization. Technique was prescribed. All fractures except one were united at approximately 12.2 weeks [range 11.4-12.85 weeks]. Soft tissue interposition led to non-union in one patient. Deep screws-track infection was found in one case. Two cases had DVT. The use of the external fixator in these patients reduced their time in the hospital and facilitated their postoperative rehabilitation by allowing uncomplicated healing of a complicated fracture