Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Results of treatment by interlocking nailing.

Ninety-five subtrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with an interlocking nail. There were 69 closed and 26 open fractures. This injury was the result of high-energy trauma in 77% of the cases. The average time to healing was 25 weeks. There were three delayed unions, one nonunion, and six malunions. Essentially all nonpathologic, subtrochanteric femur fractures can be stabilized by interlocking nailing, regardless of the fracture pattern or degree of comminution. Favorable mechanical characteristics of interlocking nails have eliminated the requirement of surgically reconstituting the medial femoral cortex. Closed interlocking nailing is the preferred treatment for subtrochanteric fractures of the femur resulting from trauma.