[Experiences with the classic nail in management of per-/subtrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients].
In the department of trauma and reconstructive surgery at the University Hospital of Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) the surgical treatment of unstable per- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures (AO 31A2 and 31A3) in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis includes the implantation of dynamic hip screws (DHS) and gamma nails, as well as the straighter "classic nails". Using 43 short and 15 long classic nails, 58 fractures in seven women and 51 men, respectively, with an average age of 85 years (65-98 years) were stabilized over the last 2 years with good results (98.3% primary full weight bearing). In order to facilitate implantation of the longer nails, additional antetorsion of the femoral neck screw and improvement of the distal interlocking have been developed by the manufacturer.