Surgical Technique

Double lag-screw compression for optimal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures with large fragment gap: A technical note

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece

^* Corresponding author: michail.vavourakis@outlook.com

Received: 3 February 2023
Accepted: 12 March 2023

Abstract

Cephalomedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric fractures has been established as a fruitful surgical approach with relatively limited complications. Anatomic fracture reduction and proper implant positioning are vital to attaining a favorable long-term surgical outcome. Appropriate intraoperative fracture compression augments stability and invigorates healing. The amount of compression permitted by cephalomedullary nails cannot always adequately reduce large fragment gaps. This paper presents a novel technical trick of double compression of the fracture site, in order to achieve the essential extra compression and reduction when required, thus decreasing the risk of postoperative implant cut-out. The technique was used in 14 out of 277 peritrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing in our trauma center for 12 months, with satisfactory outcomes regarding both fracture site union and postoperative functional capacity.