Evaluation of treatment results with the 95-degree AO/ASIF angular plate in subtrochanteric femur fractures

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of patients treated with the 95-degree AO/ASIF angular plate for subtrochanteric femur fractures.
Patients and methods: Twenty-nine patients (20 males, 9 females; mean age 39 years; range 11 to 77 years) were treated with a 95° angular plate for subtrochanteric femur fractures. The fractures were on the left in 21 patients and 22 fractures (75.9%) were caused by high-energy trauma. Ten patients had coexistent fractures and/or systemic injuries. According to the Seinsheimer criteria, 11 (37.9%) were type II, 15 (51.7%) were type III, and three (10.3%) were type V fractures. The mean time to surgery following admission was eight days (range 1 to 26 days). Clinical and radiographic results were assessed according to the Foster’s criteria. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 months (range 7 to 48 months).
Results: Radiographically, union was detected in 25 patients in a mean of 7.7 months (range 5.5 to 11 months). Two fractures (Seinsheimer type IIA and type IIIA) united following grafting, whereas one type V fracture did not unite. Other adverse events included superficial wound infection (n=1), malunion (n=4), and limb length discrepancy (n=4). According to the Foster’s criteria, the results were excellent in 19 (65.2%), good in four (13.8%), moderate in two (6.9%), and poor in four (13.8%) patients.
Conclusion: Although the second-generation implants are recommended today for surgical treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures, the use of 95° angular plates may also be considered as an alternative due to ease in availability and application, obviating the need for a fracture table, an image intensifier, and enhanced experience.