Intertrochanteric femur fractures: Plates and screws

Abstract

Intertrochanteric fractures remain some of the most common injuries that are treated in the elderly worldwide. With population increases and the prevalence of osteoporosis, the appropriate and timely treatment of intertrochanteric fractures is vital in improving patient function, decreasing morbidity and mortality, and providing reproducible results. Many methodologies of fixation have been popularized and are currently used, including sliding hip screw (SHS) with side plates, other fixed angle plates (95° screw and side plate devices, blade plates, locked plates, etc.), and intramedullary devices with cephalomedullary fixation. This chapter will focus on commonly used plating types, indications, and accomplishing appropriate goals of stable fixation including early weight bearing, reliable healing, and acceptable maintenance of anatomy. As well, an understanding of fracture pattern evaluation will be addressed to allow the readership to make an informed decision if plating is appropriate to treat an injury presented.