CORR Insights^®: Which Fixation Device is Preferred for Surgical Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in the United States? A Survey of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Excerpt

Although the sliding hip screw was the gold standard for treating intertrochanteric hip fractures, the development of cephalomedullary nails has ignited a debate regarding how best to treat these fractures. The popularity of cephalomedullary nails derives from the belief that they are less invasive and biomechanically superior to sliding hip screws. This perception has gained momentum despite the lack of clear clinical evidence of superiority. Recent research [1, 2] suggests that cephalomedullary nails do not result in fewer complications, lower revision rates, improved functional outcomes, or decreased mortality when used to treat stable intertrochanteric fractures. Short nails and long nails each have their proponents, again with no substantial evidence of superiority either way. …