The clinical outcome is favorable for the treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures using both dynamic hip screw (DHS) and trochanter stabilizing plate (TSP) in elderly patients. However, there are sometimes complications related to excessive sliding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the value of additional fixation of greater trochanter using wires and screw in the unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with a greater trochanter fracture.

From March 2004 through December 2005, thirty-seven patients, who were more than sixty-five years of age and were diagnosed with osteoporosis, were treated with DHS and TSP in unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with a follow-up of more than 6 months (mean duration, 13.5 months). The patients were divided into two groups. One group (group A: 20 patients) was treated with DHS and TSP only, whereas the other (group B: 17 patients) was treated with DHS and TSP augmented by a wire and screw. The average age was 80.9 (range 68 to 89) and 83.2 years (range 72 to 91) in groups A and B, respectively. All the patients in both groups were assessed radiographically immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up. The level of sliding of the lag screw and displacement of the greater trochanter were evaluated statistically.

Bony union was achieved in all cases except for two cases in group A. At the last follow-up, the average of lag screw sliding in groups A and B was 8.96±5.98mm and 4.80±3.68, respectively, showing a statistical difference (P value<0.05). The average greater trochnateric displacement in groups A and B was 2.06±2.86mm and 0.99±1.41mm, respectively, showing no statistical significance (P value>0.05).

Unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures can be treated successfully using a hip screw and TSP alone. However, the addition of wires and screws in the greater trochanter can prevent excessive sliding that occurs after displacing the greater trochanteric fragments out of the plate in the presence of a greater trochanteric fracture line or severe bone defect in the lateral aspect.