Effect of Gamma 3 intramedullary nails in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Gamma 3 intramedullary nails for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Methods A total of 36 elderly patients (aged over 70 years)with unstable intertrochanteric fractures (Evans type Ⅲ or above)treated with Gamma 3 intramedullary nails from January 2013 to December 2016 were followed up and analyzed. Results All patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months ,with an average of (9.4 ± 2.6) months. The fractures were healed in all patients ,and the healing time was between 10 and 18 weeks , with an average of 14 weeks. A mild type of coxa varus was found in 2 cases. According to the Harris hip score ,the curative effect was excellent in 24 cases ,good in 7 cases ,fair in 3 cases and poor in 2 cases. The excellent and good rate was 86.1% . Conclusions The gamma 3 intramedullary nail is an outstanding internal fixation tool for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly ,with such advantages as minimal trauma ,short operation time ,firm fixation and few postoperative complications.