The gamma nail--an ideal implant for treatment of unstable fractures in elderly patients
Eberle, C.; Guyer, P.; Keller, H.; Metzger, U.
Helvetica Chirurgica Acta 59(4): 527-531
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0018-0181 PMID: 8473163 Document Number: 421494
Altogether we used the Gamma-Nail in 150 cases. We show here a series of 50 instable pertrochanteric femur fractures in very old patients which we treated with a Gamma-Nail. All cases started with full weight bearing at the 4th day after operation. A clinical and radiological control 12 weeks later shows good mobilisation of the hip in 70% of the cases. Shortening of the operated leg is rare in comparison of cases treated with a DHS. Two thirds of the patients returned after dismission of the hospital to the old social situation. The advantages in treating instable pertrochanteric femur fractures with the Gamma-Nail are immediate full weight bearing without risks of shortening of the operated leg and the closed reduction of the fracture.