OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of subtrochanteric hip fractures treated by using a proximal lateral femur locking plate. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical results of 48 cases of femoral subtrochanteric fractures treated with proximal lateral femur locking plates from Jan 2008 to May 2010. The progress of fracture healing, as well as the occurrence of complications, was recorded. The function of the hip joint was evaluated by Harris social index and the Parker and Palmer mobility score at 1 year after the operation. RESULT: 45 patients were followed up until fracture union or a revision surgery. Among the 45 patients, 43 patients obtained fracture union without further intervention. 38 fractures healed with no loss of position at the 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of hip screw cutting through the femoral head. The mean score of Harris social index was 86.5±9.8 (73~95). The mean Parker and Palmer mobility score was 7.4±2.1 (3~9). CONCLUSION: The proximal lateral femur locking plate is the kind of stable and effective internal fixation of treating subtrochanteric hip fractures which has the advantage of stable fixation especially for the lateral femoral wall fracture. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.
Femoral neck fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Boneplates; Bonescrews
