Use of external fixator in trochanteric fractures of femur.

External fixation of trochanteric fractures appears to be an effective option where major surgery is contra-indicated. A total of 26 cases of trochanteric fractures of femur (12 stable and 14 unstable) were treated with external fixation as other conventional treatment could not be applied due to associated comorbid factors related specially with the elderly age group and those unsuitable for major surgery and open trochanteric fractures. Ages of the patients varied from 38 to 93 (average being 64.8) years. Sixteen patients were female and 10 were male. Right side was affected in 12 and left side in 14 cases. All the cases were operated either by short general or spinal anaesthesia or even under local anaesthesia. All fractures united within 14-18 (average 16) weeks of time. According to Salvatti and Wilson scoring 10 patients showed good, 8 patients fair and 2 patients poor results. Out of other 6 patients, 2 patients died during course of treatment and 4 patients did not turn up for follow-up. Six patients suffered from superficial and two from deep pin tract infections. Other complications were noted such as bed sores in 2, mild to moderate degree of stiffness of both hips and knee joints in 2 and shortening of the affected limb (avarage 2 cm) in 17 cases. This procedure may be recommended to any patient with trochanteric fracture, who are unfit for major surgery and also for open fractures.