Proximal femoral nailing is superior to hemiarthroplasty in AO/OTA A2 and A3 intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Comparative Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Medical Expenses in Patients with Intertrochanteric Fracture Who Underwent Internal Fixation and Hemiarthroplasty

Purpose

The objective of this study was to assess postoperative direct medical expenses and medical utilization of elderly patients who underwent either hemiarthroplasty (HA) or internal fixation (IF) for treatment of a femoral intertrochanteric fracture and to analyze differences according to surgical methods and age groups.

Materials and Methods

Data from the 2011 to 2018 Korean National Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database were used. Risk-set matching was performed for selection of controls representing patients with the same sex, age, and year of surgery. A comparative interrupted time series analysis was performed for evaluation of differences in medical expenses and utilization between the two groups.

Results

A total of 10,405 patients who underwent IF surgery and 10,405 control patients who underwent HA surgery were included. Medical expenses were 18% lower in the IF group compared to the HA group during the first year after the fracture (difference-in-difference [DID] estimate ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.87, P<0.001), and 9% lower in the second year (DID estimate ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, P=0.018). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the IF group compared to the HA group during the first two years after time zero in the age ≥80 group.

Conclusion

A noticeable increase in medical expenses was observed for patients who underwent HA for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures compared to those who underwent IF over a two-year period after surgery. Therefore, consideration of such findings is critical when designing healthcare policy support for management of intertrochanteric fractures.

Should trochanteric fractures in elderly patients be treated by arthroplasty or internal fixation?

Most trochanteric fractures are treated by fixation, most often intramedullary. Nevertheless, the desire to have patients walk as soon as possible and the fear of fixation failure has driven some surgeons to carry out an arthroplasty instead, especially for unstable fractures and/or in patients with severe osteoporosis, in order to avoid the difficult conversion to arthroplasty later on if the fixation fails. The aim of this review was to specify the role, technique and results of performing arthroplasty in this context. In which fractures? Unstable fractures (A2.2, A2.3 and A3), especially in osteoporotic bone, which are the most difficult to reduce and fix, and in cases with associated osteoarthritis. For which patients? Arthroplasty should not be done in patients who have ASA≤3 due to greater blood loss and longer operative time. Since the postoperative Parker score often drops, arthroplasty should not be done in patients having a Parker score<6. What are the technical problems? Arthroplasty must be done by an experienced surgeon because of the lack of anatomical landmarks, although fracture fixation has its own demands (satisfactory reduction, appropriate length and position of cervicocephalic screw). What are the results and complications? Despite several comparative studies (randomized trials, meta-analysis and prospective studies), it is difficult to draw any conclusions. These studies show worse performance of dynamic hip screws relative to intramedullary nails. The complication and revision rates were higher for nails than arthroplasty, but not in every study, while the functional outcomes with nails (with or without immediate weightbearing) were better than those of arthroplasty beyond 6 months. What is the mortality rate? It was lower after nailing in a few studies but was mainly determined by the patient's comorbidities and preoperative Parker score. The best indication for arthroplasty may be self-sufficient patients over 70 years of age who have an unstable fracture with severe osteoporosis. Nevertheless, new studies should be done to compare arthroplasty to nailing with immediate return to weightbearing in patients having the same type of fracture, defined using 3D CT scan. Level of evidence: Expert advice.

Assessing the Necessity of Extra Reduction Aides in Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Purpose

This study aims to determine which intertrochanteric (IT) hip fracture and patient characteristics predict the necessity for adjunct reduction aides prior to prep and drape aiming for a more efficient surgery.

Materials and Methods

Institutional fracture registries from two academic medical centers from 2017-2022 were analyzed. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, fracture patterns identified on radiographs including displacement of the lesser trochanter (LT), thin lateral wall (LW), reverse obliquity (RO), subtrochanteric extension (STE), and number of fracture parts were collected, and the need for additional aides following traction on fracture table were collected. Fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification. Regression analyses identified significant risk factors for needing extra reduction aides.

Results

Of the 166 patients included, the average age was 80.84±12.7 years and BMI was 24.37±5.3 kg/m2. Univariate regression revealed increased irreducibility risk associated with RO (odds ratio [OR] 27.917, P≤0.001), LW (OR 24.882, P<0.001), and STE (OR 5.255, P=0.005). Multivariate analysis significantly correlated RO (OR 120.74, P<0.001) and thin LW (OR 131.14, P<0.001) with increased risk. However, STE (P=0.36) and LT displacement (P=0.77) weren't significant. Fracture types 2.2, 3.2, and 3.3 displayed elevated risk (P<0.001), while no other factors increased risk.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with IT fractures with RO and/or thin LW are at higher risk of irreducibility, necessitating adjunct reduction aides. Other parameters showed no significant association, suggesting most fracture patterns can be achieved with traction manipulation alone.

The Fate of Reoperation After Proximal Femur Fracture Surgery in Elderly Population

INTRODUCTION

The overall complication rate after proximal femur fracture surgery is high. This study aims to define the reoperation reasons and outcomes of reoperations after proximal femur fracture surgery in elderly patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients over 75 years of age who underwent surgery for an intertrochanteric femur fracture and femoral neck fracture between 2014 and 2021. The minimum follow-up was 12 months, or until the patient was deceased. The primary outcome measure was the success of reoperation with regard to fracture type and implant.  Results: A total of 89 patients required reoperation for an overall rate of 9.3% during follow-up. Infection was the leading reason for reoperation. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) for intertrochanteric fracture is associated with a high rate of infection compared with HA for femoral neck fracture. The success rate of reoperation due to postoperative infection was poor (46.3%) whereas the success rate for other implant-related complications was favorable (91.6%).  Conclusion: The risk of postoperative infection after HA is significantly higher for intertrochanteric femur fractures compared to neck fractures in the elderly population. The limited success after postoperative infection should be taken into consideration in decision-making.

Proximal femoral bionic nail (PFBN)-an innovative surgical method for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures

PURPOSE

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFF) are one of the most common traumatic conditions, but there are no established treatment methods for this condition due to implant failure and re-operation rates. The proximal femoral bionic nail (PFBN), which is a new design of the cephalomedullary nail, was developed by our team. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of PFBN in patients with unstable IFF.

METHODS

From October 2020 to August 2021, 12 patients diagnosed with unstable IFF (31-A2, 3) were treated with PFBN at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. We evaluated the clinical therapeutic effects of this treatment by measuring peri-operative indicators and post-operative complications. Clinical outcomes, specific radiographic parameters, and post-operative complications were collected and analyzed within the first post-operative year.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 72.4 ± 16.1 years (five males and seven females). The mean operation time was 90.4 ± 16.0 min, whereas the operation time of 31-A2 fractures (83.1 ± 12.2 min) was shorter than that of 31-A3 fractures (105.0 ± 12.9 min) (p < 0.05). The blood loss was 175 ml (range: 50 to 500 ml), and the length of hospitalization was 10.0 ± 1.9 days. The prognosis evaluation was assessed at three, six and 12 months after the operation; for these time points, the Harris hip scores were 69.6 ± 4.1, 77.8 ± 3.8, and 82.6 ± 4.6, respectively, and the Parker-Palmer scores were 5.3 (5.0, 7.0), 6.3 (5.3, 7.0), and 7.8 (7.0, 8.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION

PFBN has shown advantages in the treatment of unstable IFF (particularly in geriatric patients) and possesses both stability and safety. This innovative method may provide a new option for treating unstable IFFs.

Treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture with a minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via the anterior approach

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of the minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via the anterior approach in the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

METHODS

From January 2015 to January 2021, 115 patients (48 males and 67 females) with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated. The average age of the patients was 78.7 (45-100 years old). The types of injuries were falls (91 cases), traffic accidents (12 cases), smashing (6 cases), and high falling (6 cases). The duration between injury and surgery ranged from 1 to 14 days, with an average of 3.9 days. The distribution of AO classification was as follows: 31-A1 in 15 cases, type 31-A2 in 67 cases and 31-A3 in 33 cases.

RESULTS

All patients achieved good reduction, with fracture reduction times ranging from 10 to 32 min (mean of 18 min), and were followed up for 12-27 months after surgery (mean of 17.9 months). Two patients with pronation displacement of the proximal fracture segment died of infection or hypostatic pneumonia after internal fixation failure; one patient with failed internal fixation switched to joint replacement. After internal fixation, the lateral wall of six reversed intertrochanteric femoral fractures showed repronation and abduction displacement, but all fractures achieved bony healing. The rest of the patients did not lose fracture reduction, and all fractures achieved bony healing with a healing time ranging from 3 to 9 months (mean of 5.7 months). While two patients died and one patient exhibited failed internal fixation and thus switched to joint replacement, 91 of the remaining 112 patients had an excellent Harris score of the hip joint function at the final follow-up, while 21 patients had a good Harris score.

CONCLUSION

The minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via the anterior approach for the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures is simple, effective and minimally invasive. In the case of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures associated with lateral wall displacement, the lateral wall needs to be strengthened after clamp reduction and intramedullary nail fixation to avoid loss of reduction and failure of internal fixation.

[Femoral neck blade cut-in after internal fixation of a trochanteric femoral fracture with a TFNA©]

Following fixation of a trochanteric femoral fracture with a TFNA© and despite correct fracture reduction and fixation, a 96-year-old patient suffered a complete cut-in, i.e. a medialization of the entire femoral neck blade through the nail into the hip joint. Against the background of implant development and current literature, this increasingly frequent type of complication is described and distinguished from other fixation failures such as the cut-out. Attempts to explain this phenomenon as well as research options are presented and a pragmatic approach to avoid this problem is outlined.

Distal fixation modular stem hemiarthroplasty versus proximal femoral nailing for unstable intertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective cohort study

The treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures (UITF) is a controversial issue in the current literature. The aim of this study was to compare the curative effects of distal fixation modular stem (DFMS) hemiarthroplasty with proximal femoral nailing (PFN) on UITFs in the elderly. From February 2017 to November 2019, 98 elderly (≥65 years) patients with UITF were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Mean follow-up duration was 24.1±11.9 months. Patients were divided into the DFMS group (52 patients) and the PFN group (46 patients). In the DFMS group, trochanteric fixation was performed using a trochanteric cable plate system. Primary outcome measures included Harris hip score (HHS), mobility score, implant related complications and mortality. Secondary outcome measures included hospitalization duration, surgical time and transfusion rate. Mean age of the patients was 78.7±7.2 years (65-96 years). DFMS group had longer surgical time, higher transfusion rates and longer hospital stays (p<0.05). Mean HHS was 80.7±10.5 and 81.9±12.2 in the DFMS group and PFN group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of HHS, mobility score and mortality. Implant failure rates were significantly higher in the PFN group (p=0.015). Implant failure, one year mortality and overall mortality rates were 0%, 15.4% and 17.3% in DFMS group and 10.9%, 15.2% and 19.5% in PFN group, respectively. Both surgical methods can be effectively used in the treatment of UITFs with similar satisfactory functional results and similar mortality rates. In addition, the DFMS group exhibited significantly lower implant failure rates and PFN group provided significantly lower surgical time duration, transfusion rate and hospital stay duration.

Intramedullary Nail or Primary Arthroplasty? A System Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prognosis of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction

There is no consensus regarding the superiority between intramedullary nailing and primary arthroplasty in the management of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. This systematic review was performed to investigate and compare the clinical efficacy of intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with these 2 methods.

Materials and methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of science core collection and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials which compared the clinical outcomes of intertrochanteric fractures treated with either intramedullary nails or primary arthroplasty. Relevant data of the postoperative complications, reoperations, mortality and functional assessment, were pooled and presented graphically.

Results

A total of 6 trials with 427 participants were identified and included in the analyses. The pooled estimates suggested these 2 techniques have comparable risks in terms of overall complications (pooled risk ratio [RR] .80; 95% confidence interval [CI] .43 to 1.43; I2 = 79.94%), the rate of patients with orthopedic complications (RR .71, 95% CI .40 to 1.27; I2 = .00%), reoperations (RR 1.33, 95% CI .48 to 3.71; I2 = .00%), the overall mortality (RR .52; 95%CI .26 to 1.02; I2 = 31.35%) and 1-year mortality (RR .67; 95%CI .38 to 1.19; I2 = .00%). Primary arthroplasty associated with higher HHS at 3 months postoperatively (MD -21.95, 95% CI -28.29 to -15.60; I2 = 70.44%). While the difference was not significant at 6 months (MD 2.32, 95% CI -1.55 to 6.18; I2 = .00%), and even reversed at 12 months postoperatively (MD 13.02, 95% CI 8.14 to 17.90; I2 = 73.42%).

Conclusions

Meta-analytic pooling of current evidences demonstrated that primary arthroplasty is related to a better early functional recovery at the early stage postoperatively, but the long-term result tends to favor to intramedullary nailing. The differences in overall complications, the rate of patients with orthopedic complications, reoperations, overall and 1-year mortality did not reach a significant level.

A comparison of hemiarthroplasty versus dynamic hip screw fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Intertrochanteric fractures are predominantly treated by dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation. However, recent evidence has found acceptable clinical results following hemiarthroplasty for these fractures. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to compare hemiarthroplasty with DHS fixation for intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

A computerised search was performed, using the databases Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, with supplementation from Google Scholar and appropriate reference lists. Studies with comparative data comparing clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty versus DHS fixation were included. Data were extracted and quality assessment of the papers performed by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

320 articles were independently reviewed by the investigators. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2 randomised controlled trials and 8 cohort designs. 7 of the studies assessed unstable fracture patterns. There was no difference in operating time (SMD -1.169 min; 95% CI, -0.657 to 0.689) or blood transfusion volume (SMD-0.110 units; 95% CI, -0.520 to 0.891) between modalities. There was also no difference in length of stay (SMD -0.778 days; 95% CI, -0.606 to 0.336), mortality (RR 0.942; 95% CI, 0.749-1.183) or major complications. Hemiarthroplasty conferred significantly better Harris Hip Scores at 12 months (SMD 12.3; 95% CI, 0.0135-2.789) and allowed earlier weight-bearing than DHS fixation.

DISCUSSION

Qualitative and quantitative compilation of the included studies demonstrates hemiarthroplasty to result in better functional scores and a quicker time to weight-bearing than DHS fixation for intertrochanteric fractures. Results are comparable for other major parameters, including operative time, length of stay and mortality. Thus, hemiarthroplasty is a suitable alternative to DHS fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

Proximal femoral nail antirotation versus cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly: an overall survival study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative complications and overall survival of patients who underwent proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and patients who underwent cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty (CCRH) for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in patients aged 75 years and older.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients who underwent PFNA or CCRH between 2010 and 2012 because of femur fracture (A2.2 and A2.3 according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification) were analyzed retrospectively. Hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and overall survival were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients in the PFNA group and 46 patients in the CCRH group were included for analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and survival rates.

DISCUSSION

Both PFNA and CCRH techniques can be used for surgical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty in unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. The predictive value of the Charlson Comorbidity Index in 1-year mortality

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Aims: We retrospectively evaluated the predictive role of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) for 1-year mortality in elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures (ITHF) treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The secondary objective was to identify other relationships, if any, between the variables recorded and mortality.

METHODS

We included ≥75-year-old patients with unstable ITHF treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. We recorded patient gender, age, Body Mass Index, pre-fracture walking ability (Parker Mobility score, modified Harris Hip Score), America Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), time to surgery, time to mobilization, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a ROC curve.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients with a mean age of 87.34 ± 5.5 years were included. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 18.5%. The CCI (OR 1.64 CI 95% 1.21-2.23; p 0.00821) and postoperative complications (OR 3.5 CI 95% 1.19-10.23 p 0.0202) were identified as independent predictors of 1-year mortality in the univariate regression and confirmed in the multivariate regression. CCI sensitivity to predict 1-year mortality was 80%.

CONCLUSION

CCI has shown acceptable sensitivity in the prediction of 1-year mortality in elderly patients with unstable ITHF treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. It is of utmost importance to prevent postoperative complications due to their significant impact on 1-year mortality.

Arthroplasty vs proximal femoral nails for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Proximal femoral nails (PFNs) are the most common method for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs), but postoperative bed rest is required. There is a large amount of blood loss during the operation. Osteoporosis in elderly patients may cause nonunion of fractures and other complications. Arthroplasty can give patients early weight bearing and reduce financial burden, but whether it can replace PFNs remains controversial.

AIM

To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroplasty and PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly patients.

METHODS

A search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and included relevant articles comparing arthroplasty and PFN. The search time was limited from January 1, 2005 to November 1, 2020. Two investigators independently screened studies, extracted data and evaluated the quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the research results, the fixed effect model or random effect model were selected for analysis. The following outcomes were analyzed: Harris Hip score, mortality, complications, operation time, blood loos, hospital stay, weight-bearing time, fracture classification and type of anesthesia.

RESULTS

We analyzed four randomized controlled trials that met the requirements. A total of 298 patients were included in these studies. According to the AO/OTA classification, there are 20 A1 types, 136 A2 types, 42 A3 types and 100 unrecorded types. Primary outcome: The Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up of the PFN group was higher [mean difference (MD): 9.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 16.57 to 1.45), P = 0.02]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall mortality [risk ratio (RR): 1.44, P = 0.44] or the number of complications (RR: 0.77, P = 0.05). Secondary outcomes: blood loss of the arthroplasty group was higher (MD: 241.01, 95% CI: 43.06–438.96, P = 0.02); the operation time of the PFN group was shorter (MD: 23.12, 95%CI: 10.46–35.77, P = 0.0003); and the length of hospital stay of the arthroplasty group was shorter [MD: 0.97, 95% CI: 1.29 to 0.66), P < 0.00001]. There was no difference between the two groups in the type of anesthesia (RR: 0.99). There were only two studies recording the weight-bearing time, and the time of full weight bearing in the arthroplasty group was significantly earlier.

CONCLUSION

Compared with PFN, arthroplasty can achieve weight bearing earlier and shorten hospital stay, but it cannot achieve a better clinical outcome. Arthroplasty cannot replace PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly individuals.

[Research on the classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures based on irreducibility or not]

OBJECTIVE

To formulate the classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures based on irreducibility or not in order to predict the difficulty of fracture recovery.

METHODS

A clinical data of 244 patients with closed femoral intertrochanteric fractures admitted between January 2017 and March 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 116 males and 128 females with an average age of 77.9 years (range, 45-100 years). The cause of injury included falling in 190 cases, traffic accident in 36 cases, smashing in 13 cases, and falling from height in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation was 1-14 days (mean, 3.6 days). According toAO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the fractures were classified as type 31-A1 in 38 cases, type 31-A2 in 160 cases, and type 31-A3 in 46 cases. According to whether the recovery difficulty occurred after intraoperative closed traction reset, the patients were divided into reducible-group and irreducible-group; combined with the literature and preoperative imaging data of two groups, the classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures was formulated based on the irreducibility or not. The 244 fractures were classified by the doctors who did not attend the operation according to the classification criteria, predicted the difficulty of fracture reduction, and compared with the actual intraoperative reduction situation.

RESULTS

The 244 patients were divided into reducible-group ( n=164, 67.21%) and irreducible-group ( n=80, 32.79%) according to the intraoperative difficulty of reduction. Comparing the imaging data and characteristics of the two groups, and formulating the classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures based on irreducibility or not, the fractures were mainly divided into two categories of irreducibility and reducibility. The fractures of irreducibility category was divided into typesⅠ-Ⅴ, among which type Ⅲ was divided into subtypes 1-4; the fractures of reducibility category was divided into typesⅠand Ⅱ. Compared with the actual intraoperative evaluation results, the total accuracy rate of the doctors who did not attend the operation was 81.15% (198/244) based on the classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures. The accuracy rate of irreducibility category was 65.74% (71/108), and the reducibility category was 93.38% (127/136). All patients were followed up 13-25 months, with an average of 17.6 months. All fractures healed except 2 cases died of infection.

CONCLUSION

The classification criteria of femoral intertrochanteric fractures based on irreducibility or not can accurately predict the reducible cases preoperatively, and most of the irreducible cases can be correctly predicted in a wider way. But the classification criteria still need to be further improved and supplemented.

Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for elderly patients receiving surgery for intertrochanteric fracture: a propensity score-matched analysis

Purpose

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal approach to perioperative care that aims to reduce patient perioperative complications, accelerate patient recovery, and improve patient satisfaction by refining and optimizing all perioperative management processes. By comparing two groups of patients before and after the implementation of ERAS for intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) with a matching analysis of propensity score (PS), we aimed to demonstrate that the implementation of ERAS protocol shortens the length of hospital stay (LOS), reduces pain, decreases the incidence of postoperative complications, and promotes functional recovery of the joint.

Methods

We selected 2 periods of 1 year, before (n=98patients) and after ERAS implementation (n=92patients). Data were collected on patient demographics, operative and perioperative details, LOS, VAS score, Harris score, and 30-day complications. ERAS-trained nurses are engaged to support patients at each step of the pre/per/postoperative process, including completing a satisfaction survey, with the help of a mobile app. PS analyses were used for dealing with confounding bias in this retrospective observational study.

Results

After PS matching, the outcomes of 124 well-balanced pairs of patients were compared (conventional vs ERAS). LOS was significantly reduced from 24.3±3.9 to 15.2±2.9 days (P<0.001). With the same preoperative VAS scores, we found that patients in the ERAS group had significantly lower postoperative VAS scores than those in the conventional group at days 3 and 7 (P<0.001), but the difference was not statistically significant at day 14. patients in the ERAS group had higher Harris scores than those in the conventional group at 1 and 3 months, but the difference was not significant at 6 months. In addition, we found that only one patient in the ERAS group developed complications, while nine patients in the conventional group developed different complications. There was no significant difference concerning the satisfaction survey.

Conclusion

The introduction of ERAS for ITF in our institution has resulted in a significant decrease in LOS, alleviated patient pain, promoted early recovery of patient’s hip function while effectively preventing complications, and obtained patient satisfaction.

Titanium Alloy Gamma Nail versus Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy Bionic Gamma Nail for Treating Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To using finite element analysis to investigate the effects of the traditional titanium alloy Gamma nail and a biodegradable magnesium alloy bionic Gamma nail for treating intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

Computed tomography images of an adult male volunteer of appropriate age and in good physical condition were used to establish a three-dimensional model of the proximal femur. Then, a model of a type 31A1 intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur was established, and the traditional titanium alloy Gamma nails and biodegradable magnesium alloy bionic Gamma nails were used for fixation, respectively. The von Mises stress, the maximum principal stress, and the minimum principal stress were calculated to evaluate the effect of bone ingrowth on stress distribution of the proximal femur after fixation.

RESULTS

In the intact model, the maximum stress was 5.8 MPa, the minimum stress was -11.7 MPa, and the von Mises stress was 11.4 MPa. The maximum principal stress distribution of the cancellous bone in the intact model appears in a position consistent with the growth direction of the principal and secondary tensile zones. After traditional Gamma nail healing, the maximum stress was 32 MPa, the minimum stress was -23.5 MPa, and the von Mises stress was 31.3 MPa. The stress concentration was quite obvious compared with the intact model. It was assumed that the nail would biodegrade completely within 12 months postoperatively. The maximum stress was 18.7 MPa, the minimum stress was -12.6 MPa, and the von Mises stress was 14.0 MPa. For the minimum principal stress, the region of minimum stress value less than -10 MPa was significantly improved compared with the traditional titanium alloy Gamma nail models. Meanwhile, the stress distribution of the bionic Gamma nail model in the proximal femur was closer to that of the intact bone, which significantly reduced the stress concentration of the implant.

CONCLUSION

The biodegradable magnesium alloy bionic Gamma nail implant can improve the stress distribution of fractured bone close to that of intact bone while reducing the risk of postoperative complications associated with traditional internal fixation techniques, and it has promising clinical value in the future.

[Treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture with minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via anterior approach]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via anterior approach in treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and January 2019, 59 patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via anterior approach. There were 29 males and 30 females with an average age of 77.9 years (range, 45-100 years). The causes of injury included falling in 46 cases, traffic accident in 6 cases, smashing in 2 cases, and falling from height in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation was 1-14 days (mean, 3.8 days). The fractures were classified as AO type 31-A1 in 12 cases, type 31-A2 in 25 cases, type 31-A3 in 22 cases.

RESULTS

All fractures were reduced well and the fracture reduction took 10 to 30 minutes, with an average of 19 minutes. All patients were followed up 13-25 months, with an average of 17.6 months. Among them, 2 cases of pronation displacement of proximal fracture segment died for infection or falling pneumonia after internal fixation failed. Six patients with reversed intertrochanteric femoral fractures experienced re-pronation and abduction displacement of the lateral wall after internal fixation, but the fractures all healed. The rest of the patients had no fracture reduction loss, and the fractures healed with an average healing time of 5.9 months (range, 3-9 months). Except for 2 patients who died, the Harris score of hip joint function of the remaining 57 patients was excellent in 49 cases and good in 8 cases at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The minimally invasive clamp reduction technique via anterior approach for irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures is simple and effective. For irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures related to lateral wall displacement, after clamp reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, the lateral wall should be reinforced in order to avoid reduction loss and internal fixation failure.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty should not be selected as the primary option for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients aged 85 years or more

This study aimed to compare the early outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPH) in elderly intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) patients aged 85 years or more.This is a prospective cohort study, and we analyzed 120 elderly patients aged 85 years or more presented with ITFs who underwent BPH and PFNA between January 2017 and July 2018. 84 patients treated with PFNA were set as Group A, and 36 patients treated with BPH were set as Group B. Data such as gender, age, period of follow-up, fracture classification (according to Evans-Jensen classification), preoperative ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status, interval between injury and operation, method of anaesthesia, duration of operation time, blood loss during surgery, time of weight bearing after operation, incidence of complications 2 weeks after operation, mortality rates and Harris Hip Score 12 months after operation were recorded and compared.There are no statistically significant differences when compared general data in patients from group A and B (P > .05). Operation time in Group A is less than Group B (103.33, 40-230 min vs 122.64, 75-180 minute, P < .01). Blood loss during surgery in Group A is less than Group B (70.24, 50-100 mL vs 194.44, 100-500 mL, P < .01). Time of weight bearing after operation in Group A is longer than Group B (50.70, 7-100 days vs 6.67, 4-14 days, P < .01). Incidence of complications 2 weeks after operation in Group A is less than Group B (14.12% vs 36.11%, P < .01). Mortality rates 12 months after operation in Group A is similar with Group B (13.10% vs 19.44%, P > .05). Harris Hip Score 12 months after operation in Group A is similar with Group B (64.64,0-91 points vs 64.41, 0-90 points, P > .05).Although BPH and PFNA have similar functional outcome and mortality rates 12 months after operation, BPH has more postoperative complications in elderly patients aged 85 years or more with ITFs, Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty should not be selected as the primary option for ITFs in elderly patients aged 85 years or more.

Optimal surgical methods to treat intertrochanteric fracture: a Bayesian network meta-analysis based on 36 randomized controlled trials

Background

There are several surgical methods to treat intertrochanteric fracture: dynamic hip screw (DHS), compression hip screw (CHS), percutaneous compression plate (PCCP), Medoff sliding plate, less invasive stabilization system (LISS), Gamma nail, proximal femoral nail (PFN), and proximal femoral nail anti-rotating (PFNA). We therefore conducted a network meta-analysis to compare eight surgical interventions, including DHS, CHS, PCCP, Medoff sliding plate, LISS, Gamma nail, PFN, and PFNA, to provide the optimal surgical intervention for intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods

An electronic search of 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science) from inception to July 2020. Two or more of the eight surgical interventions, including the DHS, CHS, PCCP, Medoff sliding plate, LISS, Gamma nail, PFN, and PFNA, for intertrochanteric fracture were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias (ROB) tool. Network meta-analysis was conducted by using R-3.5.1 software with the help of package “gemtc”. The odd ratios (ORs) with 95% credibility interval (CrI) were used to assess complications and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% CrI to calculate the continuous outcomes (operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and Harris hip score). Surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) were used to rank the intervention.

Results

A total of 36 RCTs were included in this study. The results of this network meta-analysis showed that, compared with the CHS and DHS group, PFNA exhibited a beneficial role in reducing the blood loss (SMD, 152.50; 95% CrI, 72.93 to 232.45; and SMD, 184.40; 95% CrI, 132.99 to 235.90, respectively). PFNA achieved the lowest value for the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for the blood loss (SURCA = 0.072) and highest of Harris hip score (SURCA = 0.912). PCCP may have the lowest probability of the operative time (SURCA = 0.095). There were no significant differences among the eight surgical procedures in complications.

Conclusion

PFNA technique is the optimal treatment method for intertrochanteric fracture. Larger, longitudinal RCTs addressing current limitations, including sources of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision, are needed to provide more robust and consistent evidence.

Internal Fixation versus Hemiarthroplasty in the Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of internal fixation versus hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.

METHODS

A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 2020. The present study compared internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. RevMan5.3 software provided by the International Cochrane Group was used for the meta-analysis. To compare the differences in the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stay, superficial infection, Harris hip score, mortality within 1 year, mortality within 2 years, reoperation, incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), partial weight-bearing time, non-union, and implant-related complications between an internal fixation group and an hemiarthroplasty group.

RESULTS

A total of 1300 patients were included in nine studies. The results showed that the operation time (MD = -18.09, 95% CI: -27.85--8.34, P = 0.0003), intraoperative bleeding (MD = -195.31, 95% CI: -244.8--147.74, P < 0.0001), implant-related complications (MD = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.74-8.45, P = 0.0008), and partial weight-bearing time (MD = 17.21, 95% CI: 1.63-32.79, P = 0.03) have statistical significance. However, there is not statistical significance for the Harris hip joint function scale (HHS) (MD = 5.60, 95% CI: -1.13-12.33, P = 0.10), DVT (MD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.45-2.27, P = 0.97), length of hospital stay (MD = -1.08, 95% CI: -2.82-0.66, P = 0.22), superficial Infection (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.43-1.98, P = 0.89), mortality within 1 year (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.61-1.48, P = 0.81), mortality within 2 years (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.61-1.43, P = 0.75), reoperation (MD = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.64-5.04, P = 0.26), and non-union (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.48-3.03, P = 0.70). The result of the subgroup analysis showed no significant differences between the less than 2 years follow-up and the 2 years or more follow-up group. The only difference was for the Harris hip score: the internal fixation group was superior to the hemiarthroplasty group in the less than 2 years subgroup analysis, while there was no difference between the internal fixation group hemiarthroplasty group in the 2 years or more subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the internal fixation group, those in the hemiarthroplasty group could carry out weight-bearing training early and implant-related complications were reduced, but it requires longer operation time and there is greater intraoperative blood loss. There is no difference in mortality, the incidence of DVT, non-union, HHS, reoperation, length of hospital stay, and superficial infection. Hemiarthroplasty may be a better choice for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.

Combined fracture and mortality risk evaluation for stratifying treatment in hip fracture patients: A feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to test the feasibility of the Fracture and Mortality Risk Evaluation (FAME) Index.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two academic centers in Lithuania and Turkey participated in this retrospective study conducted between November 2018 and July 2019. A total of 100 consecutive patients (22 males, 78 females; mean age 78.9 years; range, 45 to 100 years) with low energy proximal femur fractures admitted for surgery were included in the study. Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX) and the Sernbo scores were calculated and patients were classified into one of the nine subcategories of the FAME Index.

RESULTS

Demographics and FAME Index classifications were similar between centers. Patients with high risk of fracture and low risk of mortality accounted for 18% of all patients, which is the FAME Index subcategory to theoretically benefit from cancellous bone augmentation during internal fixation of a fragility hip fracture the most.

CONCLUSION

The FAME Index was successfully applied in clinical emergency setting utilizing a simple form, and demonstrated promising potential in stratification of hip fractures most suitable for screw and device augmentation. Larger studies with at least one-year of follow-up are warranted to verify the validity of FAME Index.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty should not be selected as the primary option for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients

Intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) in the elderly are still a big challenge for clinical doctors. Although proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPH) are selected by most of the orthopaedic surgeons for elderly ITFs patients, there is still no consensus on the superiority of PFNA and BPH for ITFs in elderly. In this study, we hypothesized that BPH should not be selected as the primary option for ITFs in elderly patients, and analyzed clinical data of 202 elderly ITFs patients aged 80 years or more treated with PFNA (Group A) and BPH (Group B) to compare the early outcome of PFNA and BPH for ITFs in elderly patients aged 80 years or more. We found that operation time and blood loss during surgery in group A are less than in Group B. Time of weight bearing after operation in Group A is longer than in Group B. Incidence of complications 2 weeks after operation in Group A is 9.29% less than 25.81% in Group B (χ² = 9.539, p = 0.002). Mortality rates 12 months after operation in Group A is 11.43% similar with 19.35% in Group B (χ² = 2.261, p = 0.133). Harris Hip Score 12 months after operation in Group A is 68.00 ± 29.11 points similar with 65.73 ± 33.29 points in Group B (t = 0.490, p = 0.625). Therefore, for elderly ITFs patients aged 80 years or more, BPH should not be selected as the primary option for ITFs in elderly patients.

Traditional and bionic dynamic hip screw fixation for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture: a finite element analysis

PURPOSE

The dynamic hip screw (DHS) is widely used for fixing intertrochanteric femur fractures. A porous bionic DHS was developed recently to avoid the stress concentration and risk of post-operative complications associated with titanium alloy DHSs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of traditional titanium alloy, bionic titanium alloy, and bionic magnesium alloy DHS fixation for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using finite element analysis.

METHODS

A three-dimensional model of the proximal femur was established by human computed tomography images. An intertrochanteric fracture was created on the model, which was fixed using traditional and porous bionic DHS, respectively. The von Mises stress, maximum principal stress, and minimum principal stress were calculated to evaluate the effect of bone ingrowth on stress distribution of the proximal femur after fixation.

RESULTS

Stress concentration of the bionic DHS model was lower compared with traditional DHS fixation models. The von Mises stress, maximum principal stress, and minimum principal stress distributions of bionic magnesium alloy DHS models improved, along with simulation of the bone healing process and magnesium alloy degeneration, assumed to biodegrade completely 12 months post-operatively. The distribution of maximum principal stress in the secondary tension zone of the bionic DHS model was close to the intact bone. In the minimum principal stress, the region of minimum stress value less than - 10 MPa was significantly improved compared with traditional DHS models.

CONCLUSION

The bionic magnesium alloy DHS implant can improve the stress distribution of fractured bone close to that of intact bone while reducing the risk of post-operative complications associated with traditional internal fixations.

Indian orthopaedics: the past, present, and future

The editorial summarizes the Indian orthopaedic history in brief and provides an overview of the articles to be published in the Indian traumatology edition.