The reduction and maintenance of subtrochanteric fractures are difficult because most of these fractures are comminuted due to high velocity trauma.

Although various devices of internal fixation have been developed to solve these problems, selecting the appropriate fixation device for different fracture types is difficult.

Subtrochanteric fractures were treated operatively and analysed at Chosun University hospital from Jan.1985 to Dec.1991 and the following results were obtained.

The most common type of fracture was type II a by Seinsheimer classification(11 cases,28.9%)

The bone union rate was 81.8% in plate fixation group and 87.5% in intramedullary group. Of the 38 cases, 9 complications occured.

From this study, it was concluded that intramedullary nailing is beneficial in subtrochanteric fractures associated with medial cortical comminution. Also, when plating was performed massive bone grafting & external support were required.