The early failure of the gamma nail and the dynamic hip screw in femurs with a wide medullary canal. A biomechanical study of intertrochanteric fractures.

•The gamma nail dislocates into varus with minimal force in a wide medullary canal.•The Dynamic Hip Screw is prone to rotational deformity in unstable fractures.•The 4-hole is stronger than the 2-hole Dynamic Hip Screw.•The longer and stiffer implants are more prone to cut-out.•The optical extensometer is a valuable tool in biomechanical fracture studies.