A new intramedullary rod has been developed for the treatment of
subtrochanteric fractures. The stepped fluted rod is designed as a single
unit and has exceptional bending strength and rigidity as well as excellent
torsional load-carrying capacity. It has been used successfully in eighteen
patients with a variety of subtrochanteric fractures. Union was achieved in
all instances and no failure of the implant occurred. The simplified
technique of insertion, the strength of the device, and the results of this
study indicate that the fluted subtrochanteric rod has several advantages
over other available devices.