Treatment of trochanteric fractures with Ender's nailing in Chinese patients.

A prospective series of 100 Chinese patients with trochanteric fractures treated by Ender's nailing is reported. The average age of the patients was 79 years (range from 57 to 105 years). The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 18 months, with an average of 81/2 months. The mortality rate was 6 per cent. There was no incidence of non-union, delayed union or deep wound infection. Some special procedures in the operative technique to prevent complications are discussed. Weight-bearing walking could be started in the first week after operation in 63 per cent of the patients. The functional result at 6 months was good in 73 per cent. This method of limited operative trauma gave good functional results to patients, limited the blood loss during operation and reduced the operative time. The suitability of the currently available nails to the Chinese patients are discussed.