Fixation of basicervical and related fractures

We prospectively studied 42 patients in order to identify a group of proximal femoral fractures having liability for axial and rotational instability, and to present results of their fixation using the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with derotation screw (DRS). At 12 months postoperatively, patients were functionally evaluated and the radiological outcome was analysed. All fractures united within an average period of 11.5 weeks. The mean sliding distance was 5.5 mm and mean shortening of the limbs was 2 mm. According to the criteria of Kyle et al. (J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 61-A:216-221), 39 patients obtained excellent results, two good and one fair. We conclude that the AO types B2.1, A1.1, A2.1, A2.2 and A2.3 have a common instability denominator and therefore should be treated alike. The sliding component of the DHS allows solid fixation of the two major fragments in two planes and the DRS in the third plane.