An irreducible variant of intertrochanteric fractures: a technique for open reduction

We describe a three-step technique, which was applied for open reduction in these unusual cases. With the patient supine on a standard operating table, the fracture site was exposed. The limb was placed in full adduction and external rotation to slacken the iliopsoas tendon. A Hohmann retractor was then passed medial to the shaft and behind the fractured surface of the sunken femoral neck, levering it anteriorly. Traction in abduction and internal rotation was applied to complete the reduction. Additional iliopsoas tenotomy was performed in two patients. All cases were fixed with a dynamic hip screw and all fractures united uneventfully.