Iatrogenic subcapital fracture of the hip: a new complication of intertrochanteric fractures.

A recently recognized complication of intertrochanteric fracture is a subcapital fracture occurring at the tip of the blade of an intertrochanteric fracture fixation blade plate. Histological examination reveals that this is not a fatigue fracture but is the result of stress concentration effects of a stiff metalic device. This fracture may be prevented by using a blade plate with a long blade which is well seated in the head, and by removing the metallic device as soon as it is safe to do so. Ultimate prevention lies in using a more compatible material for the internal fixation of fractures.