Cracking of the femoral shaft by the gamma nail.

The Gamma nail (Howmedica) is one of the newest intramedullary devices for fixing pertrochanteric fractures. Although it can be inserted by a closed technique that provides many theoretical advantages, it cannot be proved superior to the dynamic hip screw (Bridle et al., 19%). Because of limited experience and little published information, surgeons need more information concerning its possible complications.