The Outcome in Early Cases of Treatment of Subtrochanteric Fractures with Proximal Femur Locking Compression Plate

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome in early treatment of subtrochanteric fractures with proximal femur locking compression plate (PF-LCP).The patients included in this study were those with subtrochanteric fractures (AO type 32A-C) treated with PF-LCP (Synthes) between Jan 2009 and Jun 2011. The patient characteristics and details of clinical conditions were obtained from records. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were done at one, two, four and 6 months intervals, and at one year. The primary outcome studied included fracture union and functional ambulatory status. Twenty-six patients were included in the study, 19 of whom were male with a mean age of 42.4 years. Fourteen patients (53.9%) had sustained AO type 32B fractures, the majority in motor vehicle accidents. Twenty-two fractures (84.6%) achieved union, while sixpatients (23.1%) had complications such as broken plate, varus collapse, and broken screw. Four patients (15.4%) underwent a second operation. At the end of the follow-ups, 25 patients (96.2%) were community ambulators. We conclude that PF-LCP is an effective alternative treatment for subtrochanteric fractures when properly performed. KEY WORDS: Subtrochateric fracture, Proximal Femur Locking Compression Plate (PF-LCP), Outcome, Complication, Cerclage wire