The dynamic condylar screw in the management of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur.

We reviewed 43 patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated with the AO dynamic condylar screw (DCS) to determine the medical and technical complication rate. Seven patients died before union and nine sustained major medical complications. Thirty fractures united without event. There were six technical failures, three related to failure of the medial buttress. The DCS can be used successfully in most subtrochanteric fractures, although there is a considerable complication rate, which reflects the general condition of the patient and the biomechanics of the proximal femur.