Condylar plate fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

We describe our experiences in 40 consecutive patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated with an AO 95 degrees condylar blade plate. Three patients died early due to multiple injuries. One patient developed a delayed union which ultimately resulted in repeated plate fractures due to fatigue. All other fractures heated despite deep postoperative wound infection in three cases. Based on our favourable results, we consider the condylar blade plate fixation of subtrochanteric fractures to be an excellent method, especially if an image intensifier and/or fracture table are not available.