Internal fixation technique in pathological fractures of the extremities

Endosteal plating for the treatment of malunions and nonunions of distal femur fractures

PURPOSE

To describe the surgical technique and the outcome of a case series of nonunion and malunion of distal femur fractures treated with an endosteal medial plate combined with a lateral locking plate and with autogenous bone grafting.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a series of patients with malunion or nonunion of the distal femur treated with a medial endosteal plate in combination with a lateral locking plate, in a period between January 2011 and December 2019, Database from chart review was obtained including all the clinical relevant available baseline data (demographics, type of fracture, mechanism of injury, time from injury to surgery, number of previous surgical procedures, type of bone graft, and type of lateral plate). Time to bone healing, limb alignment at follow-up and complications were documented.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included into the study: 7 male and 3 female with mean age of 48.3 years (range 21-67). The mechanism of trauma was in 8 cases a road traffic accident and in 2 cases a fall from height. According to AO/OTA classification 5 fractures were 33 A3, 3 were 33 C1, 1 was 33 C2 and 1 was 33 C3. The average follow up was 13.5 months. In all cases but one bony union was achieved. Bone healing was observed in average 3.3 months after surgery. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

A medial endosteal plate is a useful augmentation for lateral plate fixation in nonunion or malunion following distal femur fractures, particularly in cases of medial bone loss, severe comminution, or poor bone quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV (retrospective case series).

The ideal site of cement application in cement augmented sacroiliac screw fixation: the biomechanical perspective

Purpose

To compare construct stability of cement augmented sacroiliac screws using two different cementation sites in a biomechanical fragility fracture model of the pelvis.

Methods

A fracture model with an incomplete fracture of the sacral ala and complete fracture of the anterior pelvic ring mimicking a FFP IIB fragility fracture of the pelvis was established in five fresh frozen human cadaveric pelvises. Sacral fracture stabilization was achieved with bilateral 7.3 mm fully threaded sacroiliac screws. Cement augmentation was performed at the tip of the screw (body of S1; Group A) on one side, and at the midshaft of the screw (sacral ala; Group B) on the contralateral side. Biomechanical testing was conducted separately on both sides comprising cyclic loading of axial forces transferred through the tested hemipelvis from L5 to the ipsilateral acetabulum. Combined angular displacement in flexion and internal rotation (“gap angle”), angular displacement of the ilium in relation to the screw (“screw tilt ilium”), and screw tip cutout were evaluated.

Results

Relative interfragmentary movements were associated with significantly higher values in group A versus group B for “gap angle” (2.4° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), and for “screw tilt ilium” (3.3° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), respectively. No significant difference was indicated for screw tip cutout between the two groups (0.6 mm [Group A] vs. 0.8 mm [Group B]; p = 0.376).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated less fragment and screw displacements in a FFP IIB fracture model under physiologic cyclic loading by cement augmentation of sacroiliac screws at the level of the lateral mass compared to the center of vertebral body of S1.

Union rates and functional outcome of double plating of the femur: systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for the surgical management of femur fractures and non-unions remains unknown. The aim of this study is to assess union rates, complications and outcome after femoral double plating. Treatment of shaft, distal, periprosthetic fractures and pathological proximal femur fractures as well as femoral non-unions with double plating were evaluated.

METHODS

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Published literature reporting on the treatment and clinical outcome of femoral fractures and non-unions with double plating was identified. In total, 24 studies with 436 cases of double plating, 64 cases of single plating, 84 cases of intramedullary nailing (IM), and 1 interfragmentary screw treatment met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. The evaluated literature was published between 1991 and 2020.

RESULTS

Double plating of femoral fractures achieved high healing rates and few complications were reported. It displayed significantly less intraoperative haemorrhage, shorter surgery time reduced risk of malunion in polytraumatised patients when compared to IM. Fracture healing rate of double-plating distal femoral fractures was 88.0%. However, there were no significant differences regarding fracture healing, complication or functional outcome when compared to single plating. Treatment of periprosthetic fractures with double plating displayed high healing rates (88.5%). Double plating of non-unions achieved excellent osseous union rates (98.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The literature provides evidence for superior outcomes when using double plating in distal femoral fractures, periprosthetic fractures and femoral non-unions. Some evidence suggests that the use of double plating of femoral fractures in polytraumatised patients may be beneficial over other types of fracture fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Endosteal substitution with medial plate in the treatment of acute distal femur fracture (AO/OTA type A): surgical technique and case-series

INTRODUCTION

Distal Femur fractures account for 4- 6% of all femur fractures and can be challenging to treat. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe a surgical technique using a medial distal femur endosteal plate to augment the stability of standard lateral plate fixation; (2) to report the results of a case-series of acute distal femur fractures (AO/OTA Type A/ Vancouver periprosthetic fractures Type C) treated using this technique.

METHODS

This study describes the surgical steps for placement of a medial endosteal plate in combination with lateral locking plate in a cadaver model using fluoroscopy guidance. In addition, a retrospective database chart review for all patients with acute distal femur fractures treated with this technique over the last five years was performed. Exclusion criteria were involvement of type B and C distal femur intraarticular fractures, treatment with other endosteal substitutions (i.e., intramedullary nail fixation and fibula allograft), and treatment for non-union or pathological fractures.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were identified with mean age of 75 years. All patients were female and all of them were allowed full weight bearing and full range of motion exercises immediately post-operatively. The complete follow up for one patient was not available; however, the mean fracture union was confirmed at 3.8 months in 10 of 12 patients. One patient had a failed construct at three months in the context of a periprosthetic fracture with a loose implant that was initially thought to be stable. One acute superficial surgical site infection was reported and healed uneventfully following debridement, primary closure, and antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the placement of a medial endosteal plate can be a useful augment for standard lateral plate fixation in acute distal femur fractures, particularly in the context of severe comminution or poor bone quality. Uneventful healing was confirmed in 10 of 12 cases and no patients were restricted with regard to motion or weight bearing immediately post-operatively. Further studies with larger sample size would be required to fully assess this technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV. Therapeutic Study (Surgical technique and Cases-series).

Double-plate compound osteosynthesis for pathological fractures of the proximal femur: high survivorship and low complication rate

INTRODUCTION

Management of pathological fractures of the proximal femur is often challenging. Compound double-plate osteosynthesis has been specifically developed for surgical treatment of these pathological fractures. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series to date of double-plate compound osteosynthesis with the longest follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using our institutional digital database, we identified 61 procedures in 53 patients at the proximal femur. Patients were divided into two groups. A 'primary' group with all cases in which a double-plate compound osteosynthesis was performed as initial procedure (n = 46) and a 'revision' group with all cases in which a double-plate compound osteosynthesis was performed as revision procedure after failed previous attempts of internal fixation (n = 15). (1) The survivorship of the hip was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis. (2) Complications were graded using Sink's classification. (3) The functional outcome was quantified with the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score. (4) Risk factors were identified based on a multivariate Cox-regression analysis.

RESULTS

The cumulative Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the primary group was 96% at 6 months, 90% at 1 year, 5 years and thereafter and 83% at 6 months, 74% at 1 year, 53% at 2 years for the 'revision' group (p = 0.0008). According to the classification of Sink et al., the rate of grade III and IV complications was significantly lower in the primary group (p < 0.0001). The mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 14 ± 7 at 0-3 months, 13 ± 3 at 3-6 months, 15 ± 3 at 6-12 months and 15 ± 4 thereafter (p = 0.54). The only multivariate negative predictor was previous surgery with a hazard ratio of 9.2 (p < 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Double-plate compound osteosynthesis is a valuable treatment option for pathological fractures in proximal femur with good functional results.

Compound osteosynthesis for osteolyses and pathological fractures of the proximal femur

Due to improved oncological therapeutic procedures with longer survival times, the stabilization of osteolyses and pathological fractures is gaining importance. The proximal femur is often affected by metastases. As femoral stability can be compromised by such bone lesions, stabilization as a palliative measure is indicated to restore function and relieve pain. Besides intramedullary osteosynthesis and endoprosthetic reconstruction, compound osteosynthesis is an alternative method for stabilization of the proximal femur. Between 1994 and 2004, 34 compound osteosyntheses were performed for a tumor-caused lesion compromising mechanical stability of the proximal femur. Of those cases, 22 double-plate compound osteosyntheses and 12 single-plate compound osteosyntheses were performed for 9 pathological fractures and 25 osteolyses. Both techniques provided good primary stability. The average survival time after compound osteosynthesis was 14.2 months (range, 0-72 months). Double-plate compound osteosyntheses showed a lower mechanical failure rate than single-plate compound osteosyntheses (14.3% vs 33.3%) and a higher survival probability after 5 years (76.4% vs 38.6%). No surgical revision was required due to perioperative complications in any case. We conclude that reliable stabilization of extensive osteolyses and pathological fractures of the proximal femur can be achieved with compound osteosynthesis. Our data suggest that double-plate compound osteosyntheses is a more favorable technique than single-plate compound osteosyntheses based on a lower rate of mechanical failure and higher survival probability.

The use of a new locking 90 degree blade plate in the treatment of atrophic proximal humerus nonunions

This level IV case series study prospectively evaluated patients with atrophic proximal humerus nonunions stabilised with a locking 90 degree blade plate. All patients were women with an average age of 69 years (range 56-78). Time from trauma to nonunion treatment averaged 23 months. Five patients had had previous surgical treatments. Two patients had a history of infection and one patient with active infection was reconstructed in two stages. Follow-up averaged 22 months (range 18-36); union was achieved in all seven cases after an average of 5.85 months. The DASH score at the last follow-up averaged 25 points and Constant score averaged 72.7 points. No patient required additional procedures. At the last follow-up all patients were free of infection, and there were no cases of avascular necrosis. The results with locked 90 degree blade plates in atrophic nonunions of the proximal humerus in adults were favourable in this series.

Locking plate technology and its role in osteoporotic fractures

Osteoporosis is a public health issue that leads to increased morbidity and dependency in an increasing population. Fractures in osteoporotic bone have been a contraindication to internal fixation due to their past poor results. Various treatment methods and innovations have been attempted that have met with some success. This paper reviews one such innovation, locking-plate osteosynthesis, looking at its technology and success and its role in osteoporotic patients. As this is an evolving technology, surgeon's experience with these plates and screws are in advance of clinical studies and therefore the surgeons should proceed with caution when choosing locking plate technology in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures.

Intramedullary strut substitution and impaction allografting cemented revision for the treatment of a periprosthetic fracture in a severely compromised femur

Revision for the treatment of a B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture often requires proximal femoral allograft arthroplasty in physiologically young or tumor prostheses in elderly patients. Extramedullary strut allograft augmentation can only be used when the host femur is structurally adequate for the insertion of the revision stem (periprosthetic femoral fractures type B2) and appears to be an attractive biological concept as early incorporation to the host bone results in a sound biomechanical construct. We report here the simultaneous use of whole femur intramedullary strut substitution along with an extramedullary strut graft placement, with impaction allografting revision to a long cemented femoral prosthesis, to augment the deficient metadiaphyseal bone stock (Paprosky type IV) for the treatment of a complex type B3 periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Reduction plating for provisional fracture fixation

Obtaining and maintaining the reduction of high-energy, complex fractures involving the periarticular or shaft regions of the bone often is difficult with standard reduction clamps. We present and review a technique in which unicortical fracture fixation plates are applied at provisional states of reduction to maintain that reduction until definitive fixation can be applied. We have termed the technique "reduction plating," and modifications of this concept have proven useful in metadiaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures, periarticular fractures and acetabular fractures. This overarching concept and its modifications are described.

Locking compression plates for osteoporotic nonunions of the diaphyseal humerus

Poor bone quality increases the technical difficulty and complications of operative treatment of nonunions and delayed unions of the diaphyseal humerus in older patients. Plates with screws that lock to the plate (transforming each screw into a fixed blade) are intended to improve the fixation of poor quality bone. Twenty-four patients (20 women, four men) with an average age of 72 years (range, 52-86 years) were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after locking compression plate fixation of an osteopenic delayed union (nine patients) or nonunion (15 patients) of the diaphyseal humerus. Twelve patients had iliac crest cancellous bone grafts, two patients had local graft, and 13 patients had demineralized bone applied to the fracture site. All the fractures eventually healed; two healed after a second procedure for autogenous bone grafting in patients who initially received demineralized bone. Using a modification of the Constant and Murley shoulder score, the results were good or excellent in 22 patients, and fair in two patients. Locking compression plates provide stable fixation of poor quality bone in patients with delayed union or nonunion of the humerus. Successful union and restoration of function are achieved in most patients. We no longer consider osteoporosis a contraindication to operative fixation of an ununited fracture of the humeral diaphysis.

Ununited diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: techniques for fixation of osteoporotic bone

The elderly population is larger, healthier, and more active than ever. Osteoporosis-related fractures and their sequelae are becoming more commonplace. Successful management of these problems requires adequate internal fixation of osteoporotic bone. Fixation of osteoporotic bone has evolved from the use of cement or allograft-augmented screws to fixed-angle plates, and now to fixed-angle screws that thread into and engage solidly the hole in the plate, creating a fixed blade. Familiarity with these techniques may facilitate the care of elderly patients requiring operative fracture care.

Endosteal substitution with an allograft cortical strut in the treatment of a periprosthetic femur fracture: a case report

The use of allograft cortical struts in the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur has been well described. Allograft struts are used to supplement cerclage wire fixation or may be placed outside the cortex opposite plate and screw fixation to improve screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. This generally requires extensive soft tissue stripping and may lead to delayed bony union. A technique is described wherein an allograft strut was inserted into the medullary canal through the fracture site and used as an endosteal substitution for osteoporotic cortical bone. This technique can improve screw fixation in osteoporotic bone while avoiding devascularization of the fractured femur.

The use of a blade plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft in the treatment of ununited fractures of the proximal humerus

Stable internal fixation is essential to obtain healing of an ununited fracture of the proximal humerus. Standard plate and screw fixation may be inadequate to secure a small, osteopenic proximal fragment. We used blade plates and autogenous cancellous bone graft to repair ununited fractures of the proximal humerus in 25 patients (19 women and 6 men) with a mean age of 61 years. Healing was documented in 23 of 25 patients (92%). Objective and subjective instruments documented substantial functional improvement in patients with healed fractures. The results were classified as good or excellent in 20 of 25 patients, and few complications were encountered. Blade plate fixation facilitates successful treatment of ununited fractures of the proximal humerus.

Mechanical comparison of endosteal substitution and lateral plate fixation in supracondylar fractures of the femur

OBJECTIVE

To assess for improved rigidity with the addition of a medial endosteal plate to laterally plated supracondylar femoral fractures.

DESIGN

A randomized paired study in a supracondylar femoral fracture model comparing two fixation methods tested cyclically in axial and torsional loading.

METHODS

One-centimeter supracondylar gap osteotomies were created in twenty synthetic femurs approximately six centimeters proximal to the knee joint. Ten were stabilized with a lateral eight-hole buttress plate alone, and ten were secured by a similar lateral buttress plate plus a medial endosteal eight-hole dynamic compression plate. Group 1 (n = 5; lateral plate alone) and Group 2 (n = 5; lateral and endosteal plates) were axially loaded up to 700 newtons through a materials test system for three cycles. A displacement transducer detected movement at the medial fracture gap. Group 3 (n = 5; lateral plate alone) and Group 4 (n = 5; lateral and endosteal plates) were tested in torsion. A rod-and-pulley system created an external rotation torque up to twenty Newton-meters for three cycles. A rotary potentiometer measured angular displacement.

RESULTS

Lateral buttress plating with endosteal substitution showed statistically significant decreased motion at the fracture site in torsional (p < 0.004) and axial loading (p < 0.0001) versus lateral buttress plating alone using Student's t test.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a 4.5-millimeter endosteal plate to a lateral buttress plate provides significantly increased stability, as compared with lateral plating alone in a femoral supracondylar fracture model during simulated axial and torsional loading. Neither fixation construct, however, restored the torsional stability of the distal femur to its preinjury (intact) level.

The functional outcome of operative treatment of ununited fractures of the humeral diaphysis in older patients

Twenty-two elderly patients (average age, seventy-two years) who had an atrophic, unstable, ununited fracture of the humeral diaphysis were managed with plate-and-screw fixation and application of an autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest. Fifteen of the patients had had at least one previous operation in an attempt to obtain union of the fracture. One patient had an active infection and two had a quiescent infection, all with Staphylococcus epidermidis. The average duration of nonunion before the patients were first seen by us was two years and four months (range, five months to sixteen years). Fifteen of the nonunions were synovial. In each patient, at least one modification of the standard technique of plate-and-screw fixation was needed as a result of osteopenia. In order to enhance fixation, the standard protocol incorporated the use of a long plate (with an average of eleven holes and an average length that was 76 percent of that of the bone), a plate with a blade (used in thirteen patients), and replacement of loose, 4.5-millimeter cortical-bone screws with 6.5-millimeter cancellous-bone screws (twelve patients). Spiked nuts (Schuhli nut; Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) that lock the screws to the plate, creating a solid point of fixation analogous to a blade, were incorporated into the protocol when they became available (used in six patients). In five limbs, the nonunion was associated with an osseous defect that could not be addressed by shortening of the bone alone. Three of these limbs were stabilized with a bridge plate that had been contoured to stand away from the bone at the site of nonunion (so-called wave-plate osteosynthesis), and the remaining two limbs were stabilized with a combination of intramedullary and extramedullary plates. In one of these two limbs, the extramedullary plate was contoured (that is, a wave plate). The fracture united in twenty (91 percent) of the patients. There was no progressive loosening or breakage of a fixation device, even in two patients who had radiographs that were suggestive of an incomplete union. Five of the patients were followed for a limited duration (average, one year and six months) as a result of death or illness. They had two excellent results, two good results, and one poor result according to a modification of the rating system of Constant and Murley. The remaining seventeen patients, including the two who had a persistent nonunion, were followed for an average of three years and one month (range, two years to five years and ten months). They had significant improvements in all of the functional scores at the most recent follow-up evaluation: the average score according to the modified system of Constant and Murley increased from 9 to 72 points (p < 0.001), the average score according to the Enforced Social Dependency Scale decreased from 39 to 9 points (p < 0.001), and the average score based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire decreased from 77 to 24 points (p < 0.001). According to the scores based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, nine of the seventeen patients who had been followed for more than two years had an excellent result, four had a good result, two had a fair result, and the two who had a persistent nonunion had a poor result. Complications included postoperative delirium, a stitch abscess, transient radial nerve palsy, a fracture distal to the plate, and the need for a blood transfusion, in one patient each. Two patients had a fibrous union. There were no major medical complications. An unstable, united fracture of the humeral diaphysis can be extremely disabling and may threaten the ability of an elderly patient to function independently. Operative treatment can be very successful when the techniques of plate-and-screw fixation are modified to address osteopenia and relative or absolute loss of bone. Healing of the fracture substantially improves function and the degree of independence

Compound osteosynthesis of pathological fractures of the proximal femoral shaft. Experimental studies on the biomechanical effects of additional intramedullary splinting

The biomechanical stability of two compound osteosynthesis techniques with and without intramedullary splinting were compared in 20 paired cadaver femora. Group A was stabilised using a contoured 12-hole DC plate and polymethylmethacrylate cement. In group B an additional intramedullary semi-diameter osteosynthesis plate was inserted parallel to the outer plate and transfixed with the same screws. The specimens were tested in a universal testing machine using a force applied to the specimen at 45 degrees to the load to provoke the most unfavourable condition, consisting of a bending moment and torsion. Both force and extension were recorded. The compound osteosynthesis with an additional intramedullary plate (group B) reached an average higher load stability. This increase of stability was not significant statistically.

The use of endosteal substitution in the treatment of recalcitrant nonunions of the femur: report of seven cases

Seven patients, with an average age of 53 years, were treated for bone loss or recalcitrant nonunions of the femur. The average duration from initial injury to presentation was 37 months (range 4-92 months). The patients had undergone one to eight (mean, 3.9) previous surgical attempts at achieving union. The nonunion involved the diaphysis in three patients, the diaphyseal-supracondylar junction in three patients, and the pertrochanteric region in one patient. All patients were treated using a standard lateral plate in combination with an endosteal plate and primary iliac crest bone grafting. The mean surgical time was 6.3 h, and the average blood loss was 1.7 L. There were three complications, including one superficial wound infection, one nonfatal pulmonary embolism, and one wound hematoma. At a mean follow-up of 12.6 months (range 4-24 months), all fractures had healed with an average time to union of 19.2 weeks (range 15-36 weeks). Knee flexion averaged 118 degrees (range 100-135 degrees), and all patients were satisfied with the operative procedure. Endosteal plating, in combination with a standard lateral plate and iliac crest bone-grafting, can successfully treat difficult nonunions of the femur.

Metastatic instability at the proximal end of the femur. Comparison of endoprosthetic replacement and plate osteosynthesis

A retrospective study was performed of the surgical treatment of metastatic lesions of the proximal femur in 50 patients. In 25 consecutive cases a megaprosthesis was implanted; compound plate osteosynthesis was performed in another 25 consecutive patients. Indications for surgical treatment were pathological fractures or, for prophylactic treatment, lesions of the femoral cortex exceeding 2.5 cm in diameter or affecting half the diameter of the bone or more. In all patients capable of walking preoperatively mobility was regained. Immediate full weight-bearing stability was obtained in all patients. Group analysis showed that the functional rating of the hip joint was unchanged, i.e., good or excellent, in all patients with compound osteosynthesis, compared to only 68% in the endoprosthesis group. Pain relief was excellent or good in 84% and 88% respectively. Dislocation of the tumor prosthesis occurred in 3 patients. Closed reduction was possible in 2 cases. Local recurrence was higher in the patients undergoing plate osteosynthesis, as was the frequency of tumor-related implant failure. Postoperative survival averaged 14.7 months and 12.1 months respectively.

Pathological fractures of the femur: improvement of quality of life after surgical treatment

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy will result in an increase in the number of pathological fractures that occur, principally as a consequence of metastatic disease. These lesions are painful, especially at the level of the femur, and are apt to make invalids of the patient. If surgical intervention is applied as quickly as possible, (compound double-plate osteosynthesis or endoprosthesis), preferably before the lesion becomes a real fracture, the patient still has a chance of keeping a good, painless and well-functioning limb. This report concerns 40 patients with 48 pathological femoral fractures. Seventy-five percent of the lesions were localised at the level of the proximal extremity (femoral head or neck, trochanteric region, subtrochanteric region). Twenty cases were treated with an endoprosthesis, 28 by osteosynthesis; 4 patients died within the 1st month after surgery. In two of them, the data when considered post-facto were judged to show that any surgery would be too risky. Forty-five percent of patients survived for more than 1 year after operation. The average survival time of the whole group was slightly over 10 months. One patient is still going strong more than 35 months after surgery. Survival time was essentially dependent on the primary underlying malignant process. The results obtained have been more than reasonable: in 67% recovery of walking capacity, in 75% an effective fight against the pain.

[Managing pathologic femoral fractures in malignant bone tumors and skeletal metastases]

In adults pathological fractures of the femur are mostly caused by skeletal metastases. In our own collective of femoral fractures 58 were caused by skeletal metastases and five by multiple myeloma. Average age was 59.8 years, women prevailed. In most of the metastatic fractures breast cancer was found to be the primary tumour. In all cases fracture stabilization as a palliative measure was the only possible therapy. Two patients could not be operated on because of other vital problems. In femoral neck fractures resection and endoprosthesis was the operative measure of choice. The pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures were mostly treated by composites of cement and the 95 degrees condylar-plate. Also in shaft fractures cement-implant composites were performed with straight plates. Rarely, intramedullary nailing was done. Exercising stability could always be achieved, weight-bearing stability in most of the cases. The mean survival time was 7.2 months regarding 43 patients with well documented course. Six patients are controlled regularly, the operative treatment was done on an average 16 months before.