Malassembly of the sliding screw-plate device.

Four fractures of the femur (three distal femoral and one intertrochanteric) were treated by sliding screw-plate procedures. Complications in all cases were caused by malassembly of the components. A lag screw of adequate length, proper parallel position of the components, confidence that the components are completely engaged, and, where appropriate, preliminary assembly with free, smaller lag screws, are recommended.