The primary stability of intertrochanteric osteotomies. An experimental comparison of techniques.

We have compared the quality of intertrochanteric functional pre-bending with other techniques for varus and flexion intertrochanteric osteotomies by measuring interfragmentary compression, the tension in the angled blade-plates used and the stability of the different procedures. Intertrochanteric osteotomies with any kind of plate pre-bending gave the best results in our experimental studies. Impacting techniques gave poor primary stability and the Schneider method produced only moderate stability in flexion osteotomies. Using intertrochanteric functional prebending, varus and flexion osteotomies produced the best primary stability and the most equitable interfragmentary compression. This could be achieved with the highest precision by using a sawing gauge system at operation.