A different treatment modality for trochanteric fractures of the femur in surgical high-risk patients: a clinical study of 44 patients with 21-month follow-up

To assess the effectiveness of a modular axial fixator as an alternative method in surgically high-risk patients with trochanteric fractures of the femur. In a prospective, uncontrolled clinical study, 44 high-risk patients (ASA grade 3 or 4) with trochanteric femoral fractures were treated by a modular axial fixator. They were prospectively followed up for 21 months (range 14-30 months) and evaluated using Foster's criteria. All of the fractures healed, and mean time to union was 10.9 weeks. Three types of complications were noticed. These were infections, varus alignment and shortening. Results were anatomically excellent in 35 patients, good in 9, and functionally excellent in 36, good in 8. The modular axial fixator is a reliable alternative for treating frail patients with trochanteric fractures of the femur.