PMC3671522_01
Radiograph showing an unstable trochanteric fracture of the right femur classified as 31-A2.2 according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification.
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An 83-year-old woman initially presented at another hospital with an unstable trochanteric fracture (Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification 31-A2.2) of her right femur after falling from a standing height (Figure 1).
Radiograph showing insufficient reduction of the trochanteric fracture after implantation of the Gamma 3 nail.
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Postoperative radiography showed insufficient reduction of the fracture, with varus position of femoral head (Figure 2).
Radiograph showing nail breakage at the opening for the lag screw at 14 months after surgery. The fracture shows signs of nonunion with sclerosis of the bone ends.
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Radiographs revealed breakage of the nail at the opening for the lag screw, resulting in varus angulation between the nail and the lag screw (Figure 3).
Revision surgery with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty.
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The broken nail was removed, and cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed (Figure 4).
The retrieved Gamma nail, showing a horizontal fracture line at the opening for the lag screw.
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The retrieved Gamma nail had a horizontal fracture line, with no obvious damage due to drilling or screw insertion (Figure 5).