Mechanical failure of Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) fixation in intertrochanteric fracture of the femur.

We studied 60 intertrochanteric fractures of the femur fixed with Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). There were 10 cases (16.7%) with cutting-out of device through femoral head and neck. Stable fracture pattern, postero-inferior and central position of screw in the femoral neck and head produced high percentage of good result, whereas anterior or superior position of screw produced higher incidence of cut-out. We found osteoporosis and distance of screw tip to subchondral bone to have no influence on the final outcome.