External fixation in unstable intertrochanteric fractures of femur.

Forty elderly patients aged 50-94 years old with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were treated by external fixation at The Central Institute of Orthopaedics, Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India from June 1993 to January 1995. Fracture union was achieved by an average time of 14 weeks in all the patients. Postoperative varus was increased in nine and deep pin-track infection was found in three cases. External fixation minimizes surgical damage and blood loss, and has an added advantage of early mobilization. This technique is simple, safe and economical. It is effective wherever early elective surgery is not possible due to limited resources. It is the method of choice for high-risk geriatric patients.