A review of forty intertrochanteric fractures of the femur was undertaken to determine the relationship of the type of treatment to the occurrence of coxa vara. The following conclusions were reached:
1. Intertrochanteric fractures without displacement unite without deformity, needing only simple protective treatment.
2. Reduction and immobilization in plaster with the leg in a position of wide abduction and internal rotation will not prevent union in a position of coxa vara, if there is displacement of the fragments.
3. Heavy skeletal traction, maintained until union has taken place, will adequately prevent coxa vara deformity. The pull must be from five to eight pounds more than that needed to control a fracture of the shaft of the femur.
4. Open reduction and fixation have no place in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.