[Employing a modified gamma nail for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures]

Abstract

A modified custom-designed long gamma nail (LGN10) and the long gamma nail (LGN11) were evaluated in a prospective trial for operative treatment of proximal femoral fractures. Between May 1998 and January 2000, 50 patients (mean age 79 years) were alternately treated with LGN10 or LGN11. The femoral antecurvature varied from 6 degrees to 10 degrees, with a maximum of 14 degrees, as evidenced by lateral radiograms. The need for intramedullary reaming in LGN10 cases was significantly less ( p=0.046). Other significant differences between the two study groups were not observed. One cranial cut out of the lag screw in the LGN10 group was observed. Other complications were not recorded during hospital treatment. Follow-up results are not yet complete. Using LGN10 seems to reduce intramedullary damage to the femur and make insertion of the nail easier.