Functional outcome of biological condylar blade plating of subtrochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to review high-energy subtrochanteric fractures treated biologically with the 95° angled blade plate, to assess the time to union and return to work, and to perform a functional evaluation using the traumatic hip rating scale.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of 22 patients with 23 fractures. Twenty-one patients (96%) with 22 fractures were available for analysis. The average age was 33 years (range 18-47). There were seventeen males and four females. The right side was involved in fifteen patients, the left in five patients, and one patient had bilateral fractures. Motor vehicle accident was the predominant mode of injury in eleven patients. Seven patients had other associated injuries. 32B2.1 (40%) was the commonest fracture pattern according to the OTA classification.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 29 months (range 12-49). The mean time to fracture healing was 16 weeks (range 12-32). All patients returned to their pre-fracture occupation (100%). Eighteen patients (86%) healed without any additional surgery. The outcome according to the hip rating scale was excellent in ten patients and good in eleven patients. Two patients (9%) required additional surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Biological fixation of subtrochanteric fractures using 95° CBP results in a high union rate with low morbidity and good functional outcome.