Intramedullary nailing versus fixed angle blade plating for subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a prospective randomised controlled trial

Rahme DM, Harris IA
St George Hospital and Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia

PURPOSE. To compare closed intramedullary nailing to open reduction and internal fixation using a fixed angle blade plate for the management of subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

METHODS. 58 patients were equally randomised to undergo either an intramedullary nailing (IN) or fixed angle blade plating (BP).

RESULTS. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to age, time to surgery, operating time, receipt of blood transfusions, duration of hospital stay, or fracture classification. The revision rate was 28% (8/29) in the BP group and none in the IN group; the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION. Internal fixation using a fixed angle blade plate for subtrochanteric femoral fractures has higher implant failure and revision rates, compared to closed intramedullary nailing.