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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives The goal of this study was to report and evaluate the role of external fixation in the treatment of trochanteric fractures in patients with a high unacceptable operative risk to withstand conventional osteosynthesis and to obviate the many disadvantages of traction and prolonged rest in bed. Background External fixation has been used for the management of fractures for a long period of time. Good fixation, mild blood loss, and early ambulation are always the main advantages of this technique. Its other advantages are that it is simple, quick, inexpensive, and causes minimal surgical trauma. Materials and methods Between March 2011 and September 2012, 20 patients, six men and 14 women, mean age 65.9 years, with trochanteric fractures and considered preoperatively as «SQ»poor medical status«SQ», were treated in the Orthopedic Department, El-Menufiya University Hospital, by external fixation and early mobilization. The technique was prescribed. Results All fractures were united at ~22.2 weeks (range 16-26 weeks). A superficial pin-tract infection was found in 14 patients. Two cases showed penetration of the femoral head; shortening of more than 2 cm was observed in four patients. Conclusion The use of the external fixator in these patients reduced their time in the hospital and facilitated their postoperative rehabilitation by allowing uncomplicated healing of a complicated fracture.

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