Short gamma nail fixation for intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

Hip fractures, including intertrochanteric fractures, are recognized to be a major public health problem in many Western nations, most notably those in North America. Due to an increase in life expectancy, an increase in the number of patients sustaining intertrochanteric fractures is expected. The optimal fixation for intertrochanteric fracture remains debatable, and both sliding hip screw/plate construct and cephalomedullary nail fixation devices, like the gamma nail, have been documented in the literature as effective alternatives. One of the major setbacks discovered with the use of the gamma nail is a higher reoperation rate as a result of a new fracture around the implant. This study presents a review of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with gamma trochanteric fixation nail. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.