Subtrochanteric femur fractures

Abstract

Subtrochanteric femur fractures have demanded special consideration in orthopaedic traumatology, given the high rate of complications associated with their management. The intense concentration of compression, tensile, and torsional stresses and decreased vascularity of the region has challenged orthopaedists with problems of malunion, delayed union, and nonunion resulting from loss of fixation, implant failure, and iatrogenic devascularization of the operative exposure. Only recently has a better understanding of fracture biology, reduction techniques, and biomechanically improved implants allowed for subtrochanteric fractures to be addressed with consistent success.