
18/06/2025
Communited Intertrochanteric femur fracture
A 71-year-old female presented to our emergency department with a left-sided 4-part intertrochanteric femur fracture with severe comminution.
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Intraoperative Tips & Tricks for Reduction
1. Maintaining Length
Initial traction was applied on a fracture table with the limb positioned in abduction and external rotation. This helped disengage the fracture fragments and restore limb length.
2. Assessing Fracture Alignment
After traction, the limb was brought into internal rotation to attempt reduction. However, satisfactory alignment was not achieved at this stage.
3. Fracture Assessment Checklist
Reduction was evaluated under fluoroscopy:
• No varus deformity
• Posteromedial cortex and calcar alignment confirmed
• Lateral view assessment was crucial
4. Posterior Sag Correction
On the lateral view, a significant posterior sag of the proximal fragment was noted. This was effectively corrected using a height-adjustable crutch placed beneath the distal femur. I’ve consistently found this technique reliable and less traumatic than aggressive manipulation.
5. Anterior Displacement of the Neck
Despite posterior alignment, the femoral neck remained anteriorly displaced. An incision was made along the planned helical blade trajectory, and an anterior lever was carefully used to bring the neck into alignment. Once reduction was satisfactory, it was held provisionally with a K-wire.
6. Implant Insertion
The entry point was made just medial to the tip of the greater trochanter. Sequential reaming was done, and a 12 x 200 mm TFNA nail was inserted. The helical blade was placed as planned.
7. Final Reduction and Fixation
After removing the K-wire, compression was achieved using the compression device, and the construct was locked in static mode for added stability.
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Postoperative Plan
• Day 1: Weight-bearing as tolerated was initiated, as the fixation was deemed stable.