The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of 23 cases of subtrochanteric fractures which were treated with compression hip screw fixation and evaluation of the advantage of lateral position.

From December 1993 to October 1999, 23 cases(l4 male, 9 female) of subtrochanteric fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using compression hip screw. The mean age was 51.3 years(range, 18-89 years). All operations were done on the standard surgical table in lateral position, and additional fixation was done by supplementary screw fixation or cerclage wiring in 19 cases.

All patients (100%) went on to union on the average of 15 weeks (range l2-28 weeks). There were no complications, such as nonunion, malunion, or fixation loss. There was one delayed union which revealed radiographical bony union at postoperative 7 months.

Fixation with compression hip screw with or without additional fixation was thought to be a recommendable method of treatment for subtrochanteric fracture. The surgical procedure with the patient on lateral position enabled the surgeon to do interfragmentory fixation more safely and effectively with less disturbance of soft tissues attached to the fractured fragment.