Strategies for Pertrochanteric Fracture Reduction and Intramedullary Nail Placement: Technical Tips and Tricks

The incidence of pertrochanteric hip fractures continues to rise as the aging population expands. Despite advancements in techniques and implants, failure rates remain up to 16% in the literature. The recognition of challenging fracture patterns and the use of meticulous preoperative planning can help to avoid common pitfalls. Understanding fluoroscopic views for reduction assessment and implant placement is instrumental in preventing fixation failure. In addition, adjunctive techniques including the use of a bone hook, cerclage wire, and colinear clamps can facilitate reduction efforts. It is imperative for the surgeon to recognize common pitfalls and to consider a wide array of techniques to manage these challenging and common fractures.