Femur Fractures: Subtrochanteric

Abstract

Femur fractures range from simple oblique or transverse fractures to complex, comminuted types. The reduction and fixation of these fractures can be challenging, with difficulty in attaining fracture alignment, length, and rotation. Added to this complexity can be associated bone loss in open fractures. Various methods and techniques have been described to achieve an acceptable reduction for fracture healing without detriment to the patient's functional outcome. This chapter describes femur fractures from the subtrochanteric to supracondylar regions with fracture reduction aids, patient position, reduction tools, and implant use including plates and nails, either individually or in conjunction. Reduction starts with closed or percutaneous techniques because these are the most biologically friendly and minimize additional iatrogenic soft-tissue injury. However, obtaining an acceptable reduction may require escalation to open techniques. This chapter is divided into sections: the first details femoral nailing and the second details femoral plating.