Provisional pin fixation can maintain reduction in A3 intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

A3 intertrochanteric fracture has a higher incidence of intraoperative re-displacement than A1 and 2. The authors have also experienced difficulty with maintenance of reduction in A3 intertrochanteric fractures, as the technique depends on manual effort and can fail easily during the procedure. It induced us to develop this surgical technique to ease the surgical procedure and improve clinical outcomes. This paper introduces a modified provisional guide pin fixation technique applicable to even AO/OTA A3 intertrochanteric fractures, and presents preliminary results of 11 patients who were treated by provisional pin fixation-assisted nailing in A3 intertrochanteric fractures. Using this technique, we have reduced the chances of intraoperative reduction loss and achieved favorable clinical outcomes.