Outcomes of Subcapital Femoral Fracture after a Fixation of an Intertrochanteric Fracture with a Proximal Femoral Nail: Case Report

Abstract

Proximal femoral fractures are a common injury that represents an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality in elderly patients. Subcapital femoral neck fracture after fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture with a proximal femoral nail is an extremely rare complication. However, because of the large and steadily increase in the number of patients undergoing to proximal femoral nail fixation in recent years, we believe that the number of these cases could increase over time. We present a 78-year-old woman with a subcapital femoral fracture 11 months after a fixation of intertrochanteric fracture with a proximal femoral nail in the same hip. Five years of follow-up was presented. Also through our case report a review of literature of these rare cases was done, trying to evaluate the associated risk factors, the difficulties in their treatment and the final follow-up of these patients.

Keywords

• hip
• trauma
• intertrochanteric fracture
• subcapital femoral fracture
• proximal femoral nail
• postoperative complications