A modification to the prototypical compression (dynamic or sliding) hip screw is described which expands the utility and surgical indications of this frequently used fracture fixation device to include the fracture pattern commonly referred to as a “reverse obliquity fracture” of the
proximal femur. This fracture pattern is poorly secured with
current generation hip screws, frequently necessitating the use of intramedulary fracture fixation devices or
external fixation hardware. The described modification blocks telescopic sliding of the
femoral head lag screw within the cylindrical
barrel of the side plate and allows for secure locking of the
lag screw within the side plate, preventing any
relative motion between the screw and plate once
fracture reduction has been achieved. In a locked mode, the proximal fracture fragment(s) is prevented from displacing laterally relative to the distal (diaphysial) fragment, as occurs commonly when a reverse obliquity fracture or a comminuted intertrochanteric
femur fracture is fixed with a conventional hip screw. No change in routine
fracture reduction or
insertion technique is required to use the Locking Compression Hip Screw. Additionally, the described modification does not preclude use of the Locking Compression Hip Screw in a dynamic or sliding mode, if desired, when used to fix the more common
femoral neck or
intertrochanteric fracture patterns.