Biomechanical stress studies with a new Y-nail

The current success of the treatment of trochanteric fractures of the femur still depends on the type of fracture involved. A number of surgical procedures have proved successful in the treatment of stable fractures (e.g. dynamic hip screw, gamma nail). However, the treatment of unstable fractures remains a problem. With this type of fracture the implant is exposed to very unfavourable biomechanical loading that often leads to failure of the osteosynthesis, and makes removal of the implant necessary. In extensive tests, the biomechanical loading capacity of a new Y-nail has been investigated as a function of the stability and location of the fracture. The results show that this form of intramedullary fixing is suitable for both stable and unstable fractures. Unstable, far distal subtrochanteric fractures of the femur remain borderline indications.