Treatment of Non Unions of Subtrochanteric Fractures Using an Anatomical Proximal Femur Locked Compression Plate – A Prospective Study of 13 Patients

INTRODUCTION: Subtrochanteric fractures have a bimodal age distribution. They are mostly due to high violence trauma in the younger age group. They almost always require open reduction and internal fixation. Due to the increase in the emergence of native bone setters, these fractures are increasingly been managed by these spurious bone setters using native splints. As a result, non-union rate is high among such patients. These patients definitely need open reduction with internal fixation +/- bone grafting. The choice of implants used can be either a dynamic condylar screw plate (DCS) orproximal femoral nail (PFN). CASE SERIES: Here we have used a surgical grade 316 L stainless steel proximal femoral anatomical locked compression plate (PF-LCP). We analyzed 13 patients with established non unions of subtrochanteric fractures treated in our centre by the use of the PF-LCP. There were 10 males and 3 females. The average age was 48.23 years. All our patients were followed up by serial radiographs at 6, 12, 18, 24 weeks and thereafter at 6 months interval. Union was achieved in 11 out of 13 patients at 12 weeks whereas two patients had delayed union which eventually healed at 18 weeks and 24 weeks. The average Harris hip score at 1 year follow-up was excellent in eight, good in four and fair in one patient respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in complicated non-unions, the use of PF-LCP has a definite positive role in the management of such cases.