Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The intertrochanteric fracture, in particular in the elderly, is the site of stress concentration. To seek a firm fixation and minimally invasive way has been the efforts by orthopedic associates. In recent years, anatomical plate has been reported to be used for intertrochanteric fractures, but the locking compression plate has been reported rarely.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy between locking compression plate (LCP) and anatomical plate for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.
METHODS: From March 2005 to June 2008, 107 cases of intertrochanteric fracture of femur were treated with anatomical plate or LCP, including 62 cases with anatomical plate and 45 with LCP. Anatomical plate, stainless steel, was purchased from Link, Germany; LCP, titanium alloy, was purchased from Weigao Orthopedic Materials, China. The operation parameters and follow-up results following fixation using two methods were compared
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patients of two groups were followed up from 6 months to 2 years, with the average time of 13 months. In anatomical plate group, there were loose screws, nails back and coxa vara in 7 cases, nonunion in 2 cases, deep vein thrombosis in 2 cases and postoperative wound infection in 1 case. In LCP group, there were mild coxa vara and malunion in 1 case and deep venous thrombosis in 1 case. The incidence of postoperative complications in LCP group was significantly lower than anatomical plate group (P < 0.05), and the excellent and good rate of hip function was significantly better than in the anatomical plate group (P < 0.05). Compared with anatomical plate for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis, LCP displayed reliable effect and higher rate of fracture healing but less complications.