Ender nailing in intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

A review of 442 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur has confirmed our initial finding in the first 227 patients so treated. Mortality continues at a low 11% at 6 months follow-up. No implant failures have occurred. Fixation failure, as manifested by head penetration or backing out of the nails with subsequent loss of fracture position, can be readily overcome by proper technique. External rotation deformity is controlled by prebending of the nails and early ambulation of the patient. Properly applied, Ender nailing represents a significant advance in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur.