Treatment of intertrochanteric fractures by external fixation.

This study evaluates the results of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur treated by external fixation. One hundred and four intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were stabilized by external fixation over an 8 year period. Complete fracture healing was detected in all patients within 11.2 weeks. Varus malunions and more than 2 cm limb shortening were evaluated in 8 patients. Eight patients had permanent knee stiffness. A pin tract infection occurred in 13 patients. This technique is simple and safe. It allows the patients to mobilize earlier. External fixation in intertrochanteric fractures of the femur can be performed especially in elderly patients with stable and unstable fractures that can be reduced to anatomical or nearly anatomical position by closed methods.