Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess functional and radiological results following cephalomedullary nailing of subtrochanteric fracture with or without use of cerclage wiring

Methods: In a prospective study data collected between April 2021 and August 2022, a total of 30 consecutive patients (10 women and 20 men) with the diagnosis of subtrochanteric fracture were included. The mean age of patients was 58.3 ± 15.6 years. According to the AO/OTA classification, 10 A1 fractures, 5 A2 fractures, and 1 A3 fractures, 8 B1 fractures, 1 B3 fractures and 5 C1 fractures were found.

Results: the OR and cerclage techniques had significantly longer operative time compared to the CR and non-cerclage techniques (Mann-Whitney U test, P = .003 and .008). Furthermore, significantly higher transfusion rates were reported with the OR group (Chi-square test, P = .000). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found between both reduction techniques regarding the length of hospital stays, time to union, functional outcomes, complications, or reoperation rates (P > .05).

Conclusion: The additional use of cerclages provides intrinsic stability and enables axial alignment and medial cortical support during anatomical fracture reduction and cephalomedullary nail insertion. in spite of increased operative time and blood loss, the current study showed that open reduction and cerclage wiring resulted in comparable functional outcomes without significant difference in complication rate. Therefore, it can be recommended as a useful supportive tool especially in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures.