Unstable trochanteric fractures treated with the sliding screw-plate system. A biomechanical study of unstable trochanteric fractures. III.

Eighty unstable trochanteric fractures were treated with the sliding screw-plate system. Early weight-bearing was encouraged and mobilization was obtained within the first week in 47 per cent of the cases (37/78). Technical complications were encountered in 5 per cent of the patients (4/76) but none required re-operation. Telescoping of the screw occurred in 49 per cent (37/76). Through this secondary fracture impaction a stable load transmission system was established. Fracture union in the postoperative position was obtained in 49 per cent of the patients (37/76) and non-union did not occur.