Sliding hip screw fixation of trochanteric hip fractures: outcome of 1024 procedures

Association between operative duration and adverse outcomes after hip fracture surgery: A NSQIP matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prolonged operative duration is an independent risk factor for surgical complications in numerous subspecialties. However, associations between adverse events and operative duration of hip fracture fixation in older adults have not been well-quantified. This study aims to determine if prolonged operative duration of hip fracture surgery is related to adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that patients with high operative durations experience greater rates of 30-day complications.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively reviewed to identify older adults (55 years and above) who underwent hip fracture fixation between 2015-2019. Prolonged operative duration was defined as >75th percentile, and cases were matched using propensity scores based on demographic, surgical, and comorbidity factors. Univariate differences in adverse events (including readmission, reoperation, mortality, and organ-system complications) were analyzed. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were completed for statistically significant events.

RESULTS

A total of 8827 case-control pairs were identified for comparison. Rates of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (p= 0.022), any SSI (p= 0.032), and any complication (p < 0.001) were elevated in those with prolonged surgical duration in univariate analyses. In multivariable models, prolonged operative time was associated with superficial SSI (OR 1.50, p= 0.019), any SSI (OR 1.35; p= 0.029) and any complication (OR 1.58; p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, all findings persisted for IMN with operative time associated with superficial SSI (OR 1.98, p= 0.012), any SSI (OR 1.71; p= 0.019), and any complication (OR 1.84; p < 0.001). Operative time was associated only with any complication for hemiarthroplasty/internal fixation and sliding hip screw (OR 1.27 and 1.89, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that duration of surgery is an independent risk factor for superficial SSI, any SSI, and any complication. Notably, our findings suggest that high operative durations may be most concerning for SSIs in IMN fixation, which is currently the most common choice for hip fracture fixation in the US. However, the rate of any complication is significantly elevated when surgical duration is prolonged, regardless of surgery type.

Lateral wall thickness is not associated with revision risk of medially stable intertrochanteric fractures fixed with a sliding hip screw

Aims

This study aimed to determine whether lateral femoral wall thickness (LWT) < 20.5 mm was associated with increased revision risk of intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) of the hip following sliding hip screw (SHS) fixation when the medial calcar was intact. Additionally, the study assessed the association between LWT and patient mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included ITF patients aged 50 years and over treated with SHS fixation between 2019 and 2021 at a major trauma centre. Demographic information, fracture type, delirium status, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and length of stay were collected. LWT and tip apex distance were measured. Revision surgery and mortality were recorded at a mean follow-up of 19.5 months (1.6 to 48). Cox regression was performed to evaluate independent risk factors associated with revision surgery and mortality.

Results

The cohort consisted of 890 patients with a mean age of 82 years (SD 10.2). Mean LWT was 27.0 mm (SD 8.6), and there were 213 patients (23.9%) with LWT < 20.5 mm. Overall, 20 patients (2.2%) underwent a revision surgery following SHS fixation. Adjusting for covariates, LWT < 20.5 mm was not independently associated with an increased revision or mortality risk. However, factors that were significantly more prevalent in LWT < 20.5 mm group, which included residence in care home (hazard ratio (HR) 1.84; p < 0.001) or hospital (HR 1.65; p = 0.005), and delirium (HR 1.32; p = 0.026), were independently associated with an increased mortality risk. The only independent factor associated with increased risk of revision was older age (HR 1.07; p = 0.030).

Conclusion

LWT was not associated with risk of revision surgery in patients with an ITF fixed with a SHS when the calcar was intact, after adjusting for the independent effect of age. Although LWT < 20.5 mm was not an independent risk factor for mortality, patients with LWT < 20.5 mm were more likely to be from care home or hospital and have delirium on admission, which were associated with a higher mortality rate.

Perioperative loss of the psoas major muscle area index in elderly patients with hip fracture: spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia-a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

In hip fracture patients aged ≥ 80 years, we investigated whether the perioperative reduction in the psoas major muscle index (PMI) for spinal anesthesia was less than that for general anesthesia.

METHODS

A total of 262 patients surgically treated for intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures between August 2015 and August 2022 were enrolled. After adjusting for propensity score matching, 50 patients were included in this analysis. After matching, patients were divided into those receiving spinal or general anesthesia. We measured the psoas major muscle area (PMA) by adjusting for the patient's height as PMA (cm2) divided by height (m) squared. The adjusted PMA was defined as the PMI. We calculated the variability in PMI (ΔPMI) before and after surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a > 10% reduction in ΔPMI. The secondary outcomes were the mean ΔPMI and estimated factors affecting the postoperative reduction in the PMI. We compared the primary and secondary outcomes between spinal and general anesthesia.

RESULTS

The proportion with a > 10% reduction in ΔPMI did not differ between spinal and general anesthesia (36.0% vs. 40.0%, odds ratio:1.19, 95% CI:0.38-3.72, p = 0.31). The ΔPMI did not differ between spinal and general anesthesia (- 8.7% ± 7.9% vs. - 8.9% ± 8.3%, p = 0.93). The factors affecting the postoperative reduction in the PMI were male sex, preoperative non-sarcopenia, and intramedullary nailing.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in ΔPMI between hip fracture patients ≥ 80 years of age receiving spinal versus general anesthesia undergoing surgical treatment.

Computer aided analysis of biomechanical performance of schanz screw with different additive manufacturing materials used in pertrochanteric fixator on an intertrochanteric femoral fracture (corrosion resistance approach)

This study examines the use of computer-aided analysis to evaluate the biomechanical performance of Schanz screws made from different additive manufacturing materials (Ti6Al4V, 316 L, Inconel 625, and Inconel 718) in a pertrochanteric fixator for the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) are severe traumas often seen in the elderly population and can lead to serious consequences. The primary objective of ITF surgery is to provide stability and allow for early ambulation and rehabilitation. The Pertrochanteric Fixator is a surgical implant used to treat hip fractures near the greater trochanter, and is attached to the femur with screws. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 h. Possible complications include infection, nerve injury, and hardware failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical performance of Schanz screw using computer-aided analysis, comparing the effects of various additive manufacturing materials including Ti6Al4V, 316 L, Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 in a pertrochanteric fixator for intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Additionally, this study will also consider the corrosion resistance of these materials to ensure long-term durability and effectiveness in a clinical setting. The stress values mentioned for the implant materials are as follows. Ti6Al4V: 153.33 MPa, 316 L: 180.98 MPa, Inconel 625: 158.94 MPa, Inconel 718: 148.91 MPa. Higher stress values indicate a greater load transfer to the bone, which can potentially lead to stress shielding. Stress shielding occurs when an implant bears a significant portion of the load that should be transferred to the bone. This reduced stress at the fracture site can prevent the healing process, as bones require adequate stress levels for optimal remodeling and regeneration.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures with an Effective Wiring Technique

Purpose

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty has recently been acknowledged as an effective option for treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture. Trochanteric fragment nonunion can cause postoperative weakness of the abductor muscle and dislocation; therefore, reduction and fixation of the fragment is essential. The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation and analysis of the outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a useful wiring technique for management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Materials and Methods

A total of 217 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a cementless stem and a wiring technique for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures (AO/OTA classification 31-A2) at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were included in this study. Evaluation of clinical outcomes was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS) and the ambulatory capacity reported by patients was classified according to Koval stage at six months postoperatively. Evaluation of radiologic outcomes for subsidence, breakage of wiring, and loosening was also performed using plain radiographs at six months postoperatively.

Results

Among 217 patients, five patients died during the follow-up period as a result of problems unrelated to the operation. The mean HHS was 75±12 and the mean Koval category before the injury was 2.5±1.8. A broken wire was detected around the greater trochanter and lesser trochanter in 25 patients (11.5%). The mean distance of stem subsidence was 2.2±1.7 mm.

Conclusion

Our wiring fixation technique can be regarded as an effective additional surgical option for fixation of trochanteric fracture fragments during performance of bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

Mortality in patients with trochanteric hip fractures (AO/OTA 31-A) treated with sliding hip screw versus intramedullary nail: A retrospective national registry study of 9547 patients from the Danish Fracture Database

BACKGROUND

Whether trochanteric hip fractures (AO/OTA 31-A) should be treated with an intramedullary nail (IMN) or sliding hip screw (SHS) is debated. Recent studies suggest an association between IMN and excess mortality rates compared to SHS, but higher quality studies fail to show this association. Furthermore, there is an increased usage of IMN with sparse evidence supporting this rise. Our aim was to compare mortality rates between IMN and SHS in patients with AO/OTA 31-A fractures. Secondarily, to investigate choice of implant in relation to fracture subtype.

METHODS

This national registry study is based on data from the Danish Fracture Database (DFDB). Data were retrieved on patients aged ≥65 years treated for a non-pathological AO/OTA type 31-A fracture with IMN or SHS from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018. Data from DFDB were merged with data from the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS) for time of death. Mortality rates were recorded at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year and presented as crude mortality and adjusted for age, gender, ASA-class, and AO/OTA-subtype.

RESULTS

A total of 9,547 patients were included. The mean age was 83 years, 69% were female, and 55% were ASA-class 3-5. We found higher mortality rates for IMN-patients at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year. The crude relative mortality risk for IMN was also significantly higher at both 30 days (1.20) and 90 days (1.11). Adjusted relative mortality risk for IMN was 1.12 [0.96; 1.31] at 30-days, 1.03 [0.91; 1.17] at 90-days, and 1.01 [0.92; 1.11] at 1 year. Most patients suffered a 31-A2 fracture (56%) and, overall, 74% of patients were treated with IMN.

CONCLUSION

We found significantly increased crude relative mortality risk at 30 days and 90 days in patients treated with IMN. However, when adjusting for confounders the two groups had similar mortality risks. In total, 74% of all patients in this cohort were treated with IMN.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This study has level of evidence: III.

Comparison of Cephalomedullary Nails with Sliding Hip Screws in Surgical Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Cumulative Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

The primary objective of the present study was to compare surgical failures of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and to assess the change in surgical outcomes over time in a cumulative meta-analysis.

Methods

To identify studies evaluating the surgical outcomes of internal fixation using sliding hip screws (SHS) or cephalomedullary (CM) nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, all records until August 2021 in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Studies with the following characteristics were considered eligible: patients who had an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur (population); patients who received surgical treatment using a CM nail (intervention); patients who received surgical treatment using SHS (comparator); surgical failures that required reoperation, including cut-out or cut-through of lag screws, varus collapse or posterior angulation of proximal fragments, loosening of lag screws or helical blades, and fracture nonunion (outcomes); and two reviewers independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of the randomized controlled trials and selected relevant studies for a full-text review (study design).

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in the final analysis consisting of 1,777 cases in the SHS group and 1,804 cases in the CM nail group. The cumulative standard mean difference was 0.87, indicating that CM nails had no significant effect in improving the surgical outcomes. There was no significant difference in surgical failure between SHS and CM nails for all intertrochanteric fractures (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.49). Pooled data showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of surgical failure in unstable intertrochanteric fractures (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.42-1.54).

Conclusions

Although the use of CM nails has become a current trend in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, there is no literature supporting their clinical superiority when compared with SHS.

Use of an Angled Blade Plate for 31A3 Intertrochanteric Fractures

BACKGROUND

A subgroup of pertrochanteric fractures-namely, the AO/OTA 31A3 fracture-continues to be a difficult problem to treat, even with cephalomedullary nails. We present the results for 26 patients with a 31A3 fracture treated with the angled blade plate.

METHODS

The records of 26 consecutive patients with a 31A3 fracture that was treated operatively with the angled blade plate device between 2007 and 2012 at our center were reviewed, and the patients were contacted for follow-up. The functional outcome (traumatic hip rating score) and radiographic outcome (the neck-shaft angle at the time of fixation and final follow-up) were obtained for 20 of the 26 patients at a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

RESULTS

All 26 patients had primary surgery. At final review, 2 patients had died and 4 had been lost to follow-up. Of the 4 patients lost to follow-up, 2 had revision of the fixation with the angled blade plate. Of the 20 patients with follow-up, 1 had malreduction and implant failure but eventually had healing after revision of the fixation with the angled blade plate. The mean traumatic hip rating score at the time of follow-up was 50.0 with 4, 14, and 2 patients having excellent, good, and failed outcomes, respectively. The mean neck-shaft angle at the time of final union was 126.16°, which was an average of 4° less than that on the unaffected side. However, this did not correlate with functional outcome. There was no significant difference between the immediate postoperative and final neck-shaft angles.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that blade plate fixation for 31A3 fractures is associated with low rates of failure (15%), revision surgery (15%), and infection (15%), which are comparable with the results of nail fixation (range, 5% to 12%) and superior to those of sliding hip screw fixation. This large series demonstrates that the angled blade plate can be utilized for these complex fractures and should be part of the armamentarium for these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Importance of Flare: A Radiological Evaluation of Fixed-Angle Guide and Barrel-Plate in Sliding Hip Screws

Background and objective The sliding hip screw (SHS) remains the main operative implant of choice for A1/2 intertrochanteric fractures. These implants are often fixed-angled with a corresponding guide to decrease inventory and implant cost. However, there are varying sizes of base plates on the fixed-angle device between industries. Screw placement is crucial to achieving optimal tip-apex distance (TAD) and position. Due to the flare of the greater trochanter (GT), we hypothesise that the fixed-angle guide can lead to malpositioning. In this study, we aimed to describe the discrepancy between the fixed-angle guide (short: 38 mm, long: 60 mm), the flare of the GT, and the effects on screw placement. Methods Patients who received SHS between August to December 2019 were evaluated. We measured the neck-shaft angle, GT flare angle to the femoral axis, screw-plate angle, screw position, and TAD. We templated the optimal 135° fixed-angle barrel-plate, angle guides, and measured the divergence between the angles. Results A total of 30 patients were identified to be included in the study; 24/30 (80%) were female, with 16/30 (53%) receiving SHS on the right hip. The average age of the participants was 82 ±9 years. The average neck-shaft angle was 132.4° ±5.9. The GT flare angle was 3.2° ±1.6. Of note, 66% of patients had a screw-plate angle of ≥135° with an average of 137° ±3.7. However, only 10/30 (33%) screws were placed superiorly, with an average TAD of 21 mm ±11 compared to screws placed in the centre and inferiorly at 9.5 mm ±3 (p=0.0004). The long fixed-angle guide resulted in a lower divergence angle at 3° ±1.7 compared to 5.2° ±2.6 for the short fixed-angle guide (p=0.0001). Conclusion Using the fixed-angle guide at 135° on the GT flare results in a sub-optimum screw-plate angle. This can lead to malpositioning of the screw, as well as increased TAD and screw-plate angle. Preoperative planning is crucial to measure the femoral neck-shaft angle, GT flare, as well as utilising a longer fixed-angle guide.

Breakage of sliding hip screw after fixation of pertrochanteric hip fracture: A rare complication

Introduction

The authors report a rare case of lag screw breakage in a patient treated using locking DHS with home-made trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) for pertrochanteric hip fracture.

Case presentation

A 67 year-old female was operated for pertrochanteric hip fracture with incompetent lateral wall using locking DHS with home-made TSP. At seven months postoperative, there was radiographic nonunion with breakage of the sliding lag screw. Patient was consequently scheduled for total hip replacement.

Discussion

Breakage of DHS lag screw has been attributed to multiple-cycle, low-stress fatigue failure associated with nonunion. Predisposing factors are: situation of the medial edge of the barrel at the level of the fracture site prohibiting fracture compression, and mechanical obstacle to the lag screw back sliding into the barrel. In our case, the use of handmade TSP interdicted lag screw back sliding and prevented fracture impaction which was already impaired by the location of the medial edge of the barrel at the fracture level. Additionally our fixation construct was very rigid because of the use of locking screws in the DHS side plate.

Conclusion

When DHS fixation is planned for unstable or potentially unstable trochanteric hip fracture the surgeon should be prepared by making available a TSP from the manufacturer in the operative room rather than improvising intra-operatively with handmade TSP; this augmentation device shouldn't interfere with lag screw back sliding. Furthermore the DHS barrel should ideally not impinge with the fracture site, and the use of locking screws in the DHS plate should be cautious.

•

Our case highlights the modes of failure of DHS and describes the mechanism and risk factors for breakage of the lag screw.

•

Prevention of back sliding of the lag screw by the home-made TSP was a major risk factor for screw breakage.

•

Other factors are represented by the situation of the medial edge of the DHS barrel at the fracture site preventing any possible fracture impaction, and the use of locking screws in the DHS side plate which increased the rigidity of the construct and contributed concentrating the stress at the junction lag screw-barrel.

•

Our case is rare and is sparsely described in the literature.

Young Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures Are Associated With Fewer Complications than Young Femoral Neck Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To compare the complication profile of femoral neck (FN) and intertrochanteric (IT) femur fractures in young patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective database review.

SETTING

Large, national private insurer claims database with longitudinal follow-up.

PATIENTS

Individuals undergoing surgical fixation of IT or FN fractures from 2010 to 2017 were identified. Patients were included if they were 18-50 years of age and had 1-year postoperative follow-up. Those with comorbid conditions of chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease were excluded from the primary analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complication data, including a diagnosis of nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis (AVN), or need for revision surgery at 1-year follow-up, were compared. In addition, medical complication data at 90 days postoperatively were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 808 patients were identified: 392 (48.5%) patients with IT femur fractures and 416 (51.5%) patients with FN fractures. On multivariate analysis, FN fractures had nearly twice the risk of nonunion compared with IT femur fractures (odds ratio = 1.89; confidence interval, 1.09-3.30). IT femur fractures had a 5.4% rate of nonunion, a 3.6% rate of revision surgery, a 1% rate of AVN, and a 0.8% rate of conversion into total hip arthroplasty. By contrast, FN fractures had significantly higher rates of nonunion (10.3%; P = 0.009), revision surgery (9.4%; P = 0.001), AVN (5.8%; P < 0.001), and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (6%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that IT fractures in young patients have superior outcomes when compared with their intracapsular counterparts. This is the only series of its kind to evaluate the complication profile of young IT femur fractures on a large scale. This information will be helpful in counseling patients in the perioperative setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A comparative mechanical study of two types of femur bone implant using the finite element method

The femoral bone fracture is one of the most common fractures that orthopedic surgeons deal with. These fractures are associated with a significant percentage of death due to non-orthopedic complications. For this reason, it is necessary that the surgeon be well-aware of the condition of the patient and also of the biomechanical conditions of the bone and implant before surgery, in order to use the best surgical technique. Nowadays, the use of implants is a popular technique among the available methods for the treatment of femoral fractures. In the present study, two patients with different ages, three types of femoral bone fractures, that is, oblique, reverse oblique, and neck fracture, and two types of implants, namely, the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and the Gamma nail have been investigated. The behavior of the implants has been investigated at the two stages of treatment, that is, before and after bone union. The analysis of implants was based on the amount of stress and displacement induced in different parts of the bone and the implant. From the viewpoint of the stresses induced in the bone, all models are quite similar and in terms of the implant stresses, the Gamma nail is more reliable than the DHS. Additionally, the relative displacement of the fractured bone segments at the fracture planes was calculated. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the relative displacement of the fracture planes with the use of Gamma nail is somewhat less than the DHS, but this difference is not significant.

Is rotation the mode of failure in pertrochanteric fractures fixed with nails? Theoretical approach and illustrative cases

PURPOSE

The present article reviews data from biomechanical and clinical studies which indicate that rotational instability can cause failure of fixation due to the particular characteristics of the fracture, the mechanical properties of the chosen implant or flaws in surgical technique.

METHODS

Although radiographs give a similar impression in failure of fractures fixed with cephalomedullary nails, different mechanisms involving rotation of the femoral head may play a key role.

RESULTS

The incidence of failure in pertrochanteric fracture fixation is decreasing as implants continue to evolve. It is possible that currently reported low failure rates do not apply equally to all subtypes of this diverse group of fractures. Since the introduction of sliding hip screws, "cut-out" due to varus collapse of the proximal fracture fragment has been the only reported mode of failure.

CONCLUSION

Excessive rotation leading to eventual "cut-out" has not been adequately studied, and thus, available evidence is not sufficient to definitely prove this theoretical approach. As nailing is gradually overtaking extramedullary fixation as the treatment of choice, especially for comminuted pertrochanteric fractures which can be rotationally unstable, further research is warranted to improve our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of failure.

Design of Improved Intertrochanteric Fracture Treatment (DRIFT) Study: Protocol for Biomechanical Testing and Finite Element Analysis of Stable and Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Nailing or Dynamic Compression Screw

Background

Intertrochanteric hip fractures rank in the top 10 of all impairments worldwide in terms of loss in disability-adjusted years for people aged older than 60 years. The type of surgery is usually carried out with dynamic hip screw (DHS) devices or cephalomedullary nails (CMN). Cut-out of the hip screw is considered the most frequent mechanical failure for all implants with an estimated incidence ranging from 2% to 16.5%; this entails both enhancing our understanding of the prognostic factors of cut-out and improving all aspects of intertrochanteric fracture treatment.

Objective

The Design of Improved Intertrochanteric Fracture Treatment (DRIFT) study’s main objective is to provide intertrochanteric fracture treatment expertise, requirements and specifications, clinical relevance, and validation to improve treatment outcomes by developing a universal algorithm for designing patient- and fracture-oriented treatment. The hypothesis to be tested is that a more valgus reduction angle and implants of higher angles will lead to a more favorable biomechanical environment for fracture healing—that is, higher compressive loads at the fracture site with lower shear loads at the hip screw femoral head interface. A new implant with enhanced biomechanical and technical characteristics will be designed and fabricated; in addition, an integrated design and optimization platform based on computer-aided design tools and topology optimization modules will be developed.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, a biomechanical study comprising experimental loading of synthetic femora (Sawbones Inc) and finite element analysis (FEA) will be conducted. Detailed FEA of existing implants (DHS and CMN) implemented in different clinical cases under walking conditions will be performed to derive the stress and strain fields developed at the implant-bone system and identify critical scenarios that could lead to failure of therapy. These models would be validated against instrumented mechanical tests using strain gages and a digital image correlation process.

Results

After testing, geometric drawbacks of existing implants will be fully recognized, and geometric characteristics will be correlated with critical failure scenarios. The last step would be the numeric design, computer-aided design (using FEA codes and design packages), and optimization of the new proposed implant with regard to improved biomechanical surgical technique and enhanced mechanical performance that will reduce the possibility for critical failure scenarios.

Conclusions

The optimization of the biomechanical behavior of the fracture-osteosynthesis model by the application of the ideal reduction angle and implant is expected to have a positive effect to the rate of mechanical failure and, subsequently, the healing rates, morbidity, and mortality in this fragile patient group.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/12845

Femoral neck fractures after internal fixation of trochanteric fractures with implants in situ in adults: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) after internal fixation of trochanteric fractures (AIFTF) with the implant in situ (WIIS) are uncommon. Publications of FNFAIFTFWIIS are rare. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to report on the frequency, risk factors, mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, outcomes and the eventual prevention of this complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines with no language restriction. Case reports of FNFAIFTFWIIS and series of trochanteric fractures (TF) with this complication in adults published between inception of journals to May 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Cases with fractures in pathological bone, undergoing treatment with hip replacement, or after partial or total implant removal were excluded. Relevant information was divided in two parts. Part I included the analysis of cases of FNFAIFTFWIIS, with the objective of establishing the eventual risk factors, mechanisms, diagnostic, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Part II analyzed series of TFs with implants in situ which included cases of FNFs for assessing the incidence of FNFs in this condition.

RESULTS

Overall 77 publications with 104 cases of FNFAIFTFWIIS met the inclusion criteria. The median incidence of this complication was 0,43%. The mean age was 80 years (range, 42-96).The prevalent factors for FNFAIFTFWIIS were osteoporosis, and the presence of the implant in the femoral neck and head. A short nail or screw with the tip far from the subchondral bone was of influence as a stress riser factor, but not prevalent because in two thirds of the cases the FNF occurred when the implant was introduced up to the subchondral bone. Other risk factors analysed included varus reduction or nonunion of the TF, and the breakage of the hip screw, which modify the forces exerted over the femoral neck, and may contribute to the FNF. The FNFs were spontaneous, i.e. not related to trauma or fall, in more than two thirds of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The etiology of FNFAIFTFWII should be considered multifactorial. The frequency seems low. Although a subchondral positioning of the hip screw might diminish the incidence of FNFS, a correct surgical technique does not preclude a FNFAIFTFWIIS, and in fact the incidence of this complication was higher in these correctly treated patients. FNFAIFTFWIIS is a fragility fracture and adequate management of systemic osteoporosis should be targeted as a main factor of prevention.

Safety and efficacy of a two-screw cephalomedullary nail for intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation: a retrospective case series in 264 patients

Introduction

Recent advances have led to the design of a new cephalomedullary nail, which aims to decrease the risk of failures in patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures by allowing for insertion of two interdigitating screws into the head segment. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this two-screw cephalomedullary nailing system.

Patients/participants

Patients 18 years of age and older who underwent intramedullary nailing of their intertrochanteric femoral fracture using the InterTAN nailing system (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN) from 2012 to 2016 were included in this retrospective study which was performed at two urban certified level-1 trauma centers and one urban certified level-3 trauma center. The study data was collected through a retrospective chart review and review of the existing radiographic studies. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure and screw cutout. Secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, medical and surgical complications.

Results

A total of 264 patients were included in this analysis. Two patients (0.75%) were found to have a screw cut out requiring revision surgery. Two other revision surgeries were performed for malrotation (n = 1) and malunion (n = 1). Other implant-related complications occurred in 19 cases (7.9%), which included broken distal screws (n = 9), distal screw loosening (n = 8), and loose lag screws (n = 2). There was a total of 10 (3.8%) surgical wound complications, including four deep and six superficial infections.

Discussion

This modified cephalomedullary nail is a reliable, safe, and effective implant for management of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Surgical treatment of patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures can be performed in a safe fashion using this implant.

Teaching basic trauma: validating FluoroSim, a digital fluoroscopic simulator for guide-wire insertion in hip surgery

Background and purpose - Simulation is an adjunct to surgical education. However, nothing can accurately simulate fluoroscopic procedures in orthopedic trauma. Current options for training with fluoroscopy are either intraoperative, which risks radiation, or use of expensive and unrealistic virtual reality simulators. We introduce FluoroSim, an inexpensive digital fluoroscopy simulator without the need for radiation. Patients and methods - This was a multicenter study with 26 surgeons in which everyone completed 1 attempt at inserting a guide-wire into a femoral dry bone using surgical equipment and FluoroSim. 5 objective performance metrics were recorded in real-time to assess construct validity. The surgeons were categorized based on the number of dynamic hip screws (DHS) performed: novices (< 10), intermediates (10-39) and experts (≥ 40). A 7-point Likert scale questionnaire assessed the face and content validity of FluoroSim. Results - Construct validity was present for 2 clinically validated metrics in DHS surgery. Experts and intermediates statistically significantly outperformed novices for tip-apex distance and for cut-out rate. Novices took the least number of radiographs. Face and content validity were also observed. Interpretation - FluoroSim discriminated between novice and intermediate or expert surgeons based on tip-apex distance and cut-out rate while demonstrating face and content validity. FluoroSim provides a useful adjunct to orthopedic training. Our findings concur with results from studies using other simulation modalities. FluoroSim can be implemented for education easily and cheaply away from theater in a safe and controlled environment.

A case series of patients change in mobility following a hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures are common in the elderly population. It is currently believed that patients can expect to lose a level of mobility following a hip fracture. The aim of this study was to compare the pre- and post-treatment mobility of patients treated in our institution who had suffered a fracture neck of femur and identify the factors that could predict pre-operatively those patients who would suffer a deterioration in mobility after treatment.

METHODS

Patients admitted to a large UK teaching hospital with a surgically treated neck of femur fracture were included between 2 April 2011 and 31 March 2014. Patient's mobility was assessed on admission and at 1 year following surgery.

RESULTS

There were a total of 615 patients alive at 1 year. There were 142 males and 473 females with a mean age of 82.1 (range 47-100). On admission, 338 (55.0%) mobilised independently 52.2% had no change in their pre-fracture mobility at 1 year following their treatment. Age, a lower AMTS, a higher ASA and living in residential care were significant risk factors for not regaining their pre-fracture mobility. Sex and type of fracture were not associated with change in mobility.

CONCLUSION

It is commonly stated that patients lose one level of mobility following a hip fracture. This case series demonstrates that over 50% of patients can expect to have the same level of mobility at 1 year post-surgery as they did previously.

Non-prosthetic peri-implant fractures: classification, management and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Non-prosthetic peri-implant fractures (NPPIFs) are an under-reported entity. Management is challenging because of alterations in anatomy, the presence of orthopaedic implants and phenomena such as stress shielding, disuse osteopenia and fracture remodeling. The aims of this paper were to review patterns of injury, management and outcomes and to propose a classification system to aid further research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a multi-centered retrospective case series. Patients were identified from the orthopaedic department trauma databases of public hospitals in Singapore and individual surgeon case series of members of the Singapore Orthopaedic Research Collaborative (SORCE) group.

RESULTS

We collected a series of 60 NPPIFs in 53 patients. 38 fractures involved the femur, 12 the radius/ulna, 5 humeri, 3 tibia/fibula and 1 clavicle. 39 patients had fractures around plates and screws, 12 around nails, and 3 around screws. Fractures were managed with a variety of surgical techniques. Six patients had surgical complications with refracture in four and non-union in two cases. Two patients had multiple refractures (total 12 additional fractures). All surgical complications required further surgery. Three patients had deep vein thrombosis and one patient died of post-operative pneumonia. Fractures were classified according to the initial implant (plate or nail), the position of the new fracture relative to the original implant (at the tip or distant) and the status of the original fracture (healed, not healed or failing). Surgical strategies for common subtypes were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the largest series in the literature. NPPIFs are a challenging clinical problem with a high rate of post-operative complications. They are distinct from peri-prosthetic fractures and should be understood as a separate entity. We, therefore, propose a novel classification system. Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment for the various subtypes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV-case series.

Late postoperative analysis of the tip-apex distance (TAD) in pertrochanteric fractures: is there an accommodation of the implant within the bone?

INTRODUCTION

This study measured the tip-apex distance (TAD) values in the immediate postoperative period and following weight-bearing and fracture impaction in patients undergoing osteosynthesis with dynamic hip screw and cephalomedullary nail.

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the Baumgaertner index in the immediate postoperative period with values obtained after impaction of the fracture with the accommodation of the cephalic implant in the femoral head.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Radiographic TAD measurements were taken with AGFA-VIEW^® of 82 patients with a mean age of 72 years with pertrochanteric fractures who were operated on and the fracture fixed with DHS- Synthes^®, TFN-Synthes^®, or Gamma Nail III-Stryker^® in the immediate postoperative period, and following weight-bearing and fracture impaction (mean 3-8 weeks after surgery).

RESULTS

The overall average TAD decreased from 20.3mm to 18.2mm. Regardless of the instability of the fracture, the age of the patient or the implant used, TAD decreased between the immediate postoperative period and following fracture impaction.

CONCLUSION

The osteosynthesis of pertrochanteric fractures was associated with important accommodation of the cephalic implant in the femoral head with decreased TAD values after weight-bearing.

High prevalence of simultaneous rib and vertebral fractures in patients with hip fracture

PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the prevalence and location of simultaneous fracture using bone scans in patients with hip fracture and to determine the risk factors associated with simultaneous fracture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty two patients with hip fracture were reviewed for this study. Clinical parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebra and femoral neck were investigated. To identify acute simultaneous fracture, a bone scan was performed at 15.4±4.1days after hip fracture. The prevalence and location of simultaneous fracture were evaluated, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors.

RESULTS

Simultaneous fracture was observed in 102 of 182 patients, a prevalence of 56.0%. Rib fracture was the most common type of simultaneous fracture followed by rib with vertebral fracture. The BMD of the lumbar vertebra was significantly lower in patients with simultaneous fracture (p=0.044) and was identified as an independent risk factor (odds ratio: OR 0.05, 95% confidence interval: CI 0.01-0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of simultaneous fracture was relatively high among patients with hip fracture, and BMD was significantly lower in patients with simultaneous fracture than in patients without it. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of simultaneous fracture in patients with hip fracture.

Controversies in Intramedullary Fixation for Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Intertrochanteric hip fractures are common and costly. Intramedullary fixation has gained popularity as a means of stabilizing intertrochanteric hip fractures. This review article presents some of the controversies surrounding the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using a cephalomedullary nail. These topics include nail length, the need for distal interlocking, proximal screw design, the number of proximal lag screws, and integrated proximal sliding lag screws.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Changing trends in the management of intertrochanteric hip fractures - A single centre experience

With an annual incidence greater than 65,000 in the United Kingdom, hip fractures are a common but debilitating injury predominantly affecting those over 65. Treatment is based on the anatomical location of the fracture relative to the capsule of the hip joint - fractures occurring within it are treated by arthroplasty, while extracapsular fractures are an indication for fixation. Intertrochanteric fractures are further grouped as stable (AO/OTA 31A1/A2) or unstable (31A3) which in turn governs in the current UK guidelines whether this fixation is achieved with a dynamic hip screw or intramedullary device. Anecdotally, some units are tending towards intramedullary devices for 31A2 fractures as well, a practice which from the evidence does not appear to confer benefit and carries an excess cost. We reviewed our data submitted to the National Hip Fracture Database over the last five years and identified all intertrochanteric fractures, from which cohort we identified all patients with 31A2 fractures by review of radiographs. The cohort comprised 370 patients. We then recorded age, gender, ASA grade, abbreviated mental test score, residence from where admitted, length of stay, destination on discharge and whether any further operations were required. There was no significant difference in the demographics of the groups, year-on-year, except gender mix. There was a significant, twenty-fold rise in the use of intramedullary devices between 2011 and 2015. Length of stay, length of overall episode of care, revision rates, mortality and destination on discharge were unchanged. This use is not supported by NICE guidelines and this study offers no evidence to contradict this position. We advocate all centres examine their practice to avoid a costly intervention without clinical benefit.

The clinical results of a novel method for minimal invasive dynamic hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric fractures compared to the conventional one

PURPOSE

Hip intertrochanteric fractures are very frequent. Early mobilization reduces the associated mortality and morbidity rate. DHS is still commonly used in many centers. We describe a new minimal invasive DHS technique (MIDHS) depending on radiological land marks, facilitating the application of DHS in a proper way without the use of an angle guide and we retrospectively compared the functional results of the new technique with that of the conventional DHS (CDHS) technique.

METHODS

116 patients (MIDHS n = 56; CDHS n = 60) with stable intertrochanteric fractures were followed up for at least 12 months. The motoric function using the Barthel index, the post-operative pain using the VAS, and the time of bone healing of the new MIDHS group were compared to that of the CDHS group.

RESULTS

The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 45th days showed a higher motoric function of the MIDHS compared with the CDHS, P (0.001, 0.032, 0.012, 0.001, 0.028 and 0.041), respectively. VAS demonstrated less scores of the MIDHS group in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 45th days when compared with that of the CDHS group, P (0.001, 0.032, 0.012, 0.001, 0.028, and 0.041), respectively. However, no statistical significance was detected in bone-healing time between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The new MIDHS technique is a trustable procedure that may help the surgeon to perform DHS fixation in a proper way. It offers a better motoric function, less pain. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the validity of such radiological land marks in proximal femoral surgery.

Clinical outcome of conventional versus biological fixation of subtrochanteric fractures by proximal femoral locked plate

INTRODUCTION

Surgical fixation is the standard management of the subtrochanteric fractures. Proximal femoral locked plating (PF-LCP) provides a strong construct for fixation with a high success rate. However, some studies reported implant failure due to loss of the postero-medial bone support and recommended an anatomical reduction. Other studies reported excellent to good results with indirect (biological) fixation without anatomical reduction. In this study, we reviewed the short-term clinical results of PF-LCP fixation for subtrochanteric fractures using both conventional and biological fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty six patients (34 males and 12 females) with comminuted subtrochanteric fractures were included aged between 18 and 74 (mean 44.3 years). They were treated in a single-blind random manner by either conventional (open, direct) or biological (indirect) reduction method and internal fixation with PF-LCP. Intra-operative variables including; duration of surgery, blood loss, fluoroscopy time and any complications were recorded. Post-operative differences including; duration of healing, implant failure, complications and the final clinical outcome by Harris Hip Score (HHS) were documented.

RESULTS

44 cases continued to the final follow-up (23 of the open fixation group and 21 of the biological fixation group). Patients of open group demonstrated greater blood loss (756±151 vs. 260±39ml; P<0.0001), longer operative times (129±16.9 vs. 91±8min; P<0.0001) and incisions (s) length (20.4±3 vs. 13.4±1cm; P<0.0001). More patients needed blood transfusion in open group (11 patients vs. six in closed group; P<0.0001). Patients of biological group demonstrated longer fluoroscopy time (80.9±7.3 vs. 47.2±5.8sec.; P<0.0001). For each group, one case of implant failure was recorded. Low patient compliance was a detrimental factor for the implant failure in both cases. No much difference was demonstrated for the healing rate (open group; 18.3±3.7 vs. biological group16.5±4 weeks; P<0.058) and for the functional outcome (open group; excellent/good: 54%/37%, biological group; excellent/good: 57%/33%; P=0.766).

CONCLUSION

PF-LCP provided a strong construct for fixation of the comminuted subtrochanteric fractures either by open or biological techniques. Low patient compliance is an influential factor for implant failure in both types.

Mortality after hip fracture with vertebral compression fracture is poor

Due to the increasing elderly population, the prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures in Japanese patients continues to rise. It is well established that patients with either hip fracture or both symptomatic and asymptomatic morphometric vertebral compression fracture (VCF) have a poor health prognosis compared with the general population. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate vertebral fracture rates among patients with hip fracture and their influence on mortality. We examined 182 cases of osteoporotic hip fracture in patients admitted to our institution between January 2009 and May 2011. The average age at the time of fracture was 85 years. Radiographs of the lumbar spine were obtained from all of the participants and the lateral spinal radiographs were examined for evidence of VCF. The patients were classified into two groups, those with VCF and those without. A VCF was identified in approximately 78 % of the patients. The mortality rate 1 year after the hip fracture was approximately 22 % and it was significantly higher in patients with VCF. Through multivariate statistics we found that VCF, post-operative complication, loss of ambulation after operation and medication for osteoporosis were statistically significant. In other words, VCF, post-operative complication and loss of ambulation were considered to be poor prognostic factors and medication for osteoporosis was likely to improve the prognosis. We concluded that the risk of mortality after hip fracture is significantly greater in patients who also have VCF compared to patients without VCF, and that medication for osteoporosis is likely to improve prognosis.

Unusual mode of failure of intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation

The dynamic hip screw fixation is a commonly used modality of treatment for intertrochanteric femur (ITF) fractures. Various modes of failure in an operated case of ITF fracture have been described. The most frequent mode of failure is screw cut-out through the head. Occurrence of mechanical failure is rare and usually involves the shaft of the plate. We describe an unusual case with failure at the barrel of the plate and hip screw. A middle-aged man with a previously operated ITF fracture presented with pain in the same hip. Radiographs revealed non-union of the fracture with an implant failure. Revision surgery was performed during which a unique mode of implant failure was found to have occurred. The barrel of the plate had broken resulting in a bent Richard's screw. This case underlines the importance of high stress failure in non-union as opposed to high cycle, low stress failure, which is more frequently seen.

Cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment for hip fractures among the elderly in Brazil

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) focusing on the length of time between trauma and surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort with systematic sampling was conducted among all the patients who were admitted to the study hospital through the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) over a three-year period. Two treatment strategies were compared: early treatment, if the patient was operated up to the fourth day; and late treatment, if this was done after the fourth day. The cost was the direct medical cost from the point of view of SUS, which was gathered from the management system, from the SUS table of procedures, medications and implant material costs (SIGTAP), to account for the costs associated with the hospital, medical fees and implants used. The outcome of usefulness was measured indirectly by means of EuroQOL-5D, which is an instrument used worldwide, and these measurements were transformed into usefulness by means of the standard rules of the Regional Planning and Development Center of Minas Gerais (CEDEPLAR) of 2013.

RESULTS

The sample included 110 patients: 27 in the early group and 83 in the late group. The confounding variables of age, gender, anesthetic risk (ASA), fracture type and surgery type were controlled for. The samples were shown to be homogenous with regard to these variables. The cost per QALY of the early strategy was R$ 5,129.42 and the cost of the late strategy was R$ 8,444.50.

CONCLUSION

The early strategy was highly favorable in relation to the late strategy in this study.

Is there a difference in the positioning of sliding screws between stable and unstable extracapsular fractures?

Objective

To analyze the tip–apex distance (TAD), cervicodiaphyseal angle and Garden angle in stable and unstable extracapsular fractures of the femur treated with a plate and sliding screw.

Method

Hip radiographs in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view on 117 patients were evaluated. The fractures were classified as stable or unstable, using the AO classification, and the reduction achieved was assessed in accordance with the following criteria: TAD > 3 cm; Garden alignment index (AP) < 160°; and AP cervicodiaphyseal varus angle < 125°. When two or more criteria were present, the quality of the osteosynthesis was classified as “not ideal”.

Results

The patients with unstable fractures presented AP cervicodiaphyseal angles that were significantly greater (p = 0.05) than in those with stable fractures. The patients with unstable fractures presented lateral cervicodiaphyseal angles that were significantly smaller (p = 0.05) than in those with stable fractures. There were no significant differences in the remainder of the criteria evaluated.

Conclusion

This study did not find any significant differences in the measurements evaluated, except in relation to the cervicodiaphyseal angle. Satisfactory reduction was achieved both for the stable and for the unstable fractures, when we used a plate and sliding screw to treat proximal extracapsular fractures of the femur.

Economic analysis of surgical treatment of hip fracture in older adults

OBJECTIVE To analyze the incremental cost-utility ratio for the surgical treatment of hip fracture in older patients. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of a systematic sample of patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture at a central hospital of a macro-region in the state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. A decision tree creation was analyzed considering the direct medical costs. The study followed the healthcare provider's perspective and had a one-year time horizon. Effectiveness was measured by the time elapsed between trauma and surgery after dividing the patients into early and late surgery groups. The utility was obtained in a cross-sectional and indirect manner using the EuroQOL 5 Dimensions generic questionnaire transformed into cardinal numbers using the national regulations established by the Center for the Development and Regional Planning of the State of Minas Gerais. The sample included 110 patients, 27 of whom were allocated in the early surgery group and 83 in the late surgery group. The groups were stratified by age, gender, type of fracture, type of surgery, and anesthetic risk. RESULTS The direct medical cost presented a statistically significant increase among patients in the late surgery group (p < 0.005), mainly because of ward costs (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was higher in the late surgery group (7.4% versus 16.9%). The decision tree demonstrated the dominance of the early surgery strategy over the late surgery strategy: R$9,854.34 (USD4,387.17) versus R$26,754.56 (USD11,911.03) per quality-adjusted life year. The sensitivity test with extreme values proved the robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS After controlling for confounding variables, the strategy of early surgery for hip fracture in the older adults was proven to be dominant, because it presented a lower cost and better results than late surgery.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head following trochanteric fractures in adults: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) following trochanteric fractures (TFx) is infrequent. The causal relationship between ANFH and TFx remains controversial. Although several major risk factors for ANFH have been proposed, most of them remain under discussion. In this study we undertook a systematic review of the literature to investigate the incidence of AVN, risk factors and outcomes following Tfx fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines with no language restriction. Case reports of ANFH and series of TFx with or without cases of ANFH published between inception of journals to December 2013 were eligible for inclusion. Relevant information was divided in two sections. Part I: included the analysis of detailed case reports of ANFH, either published isolated or included in series of TFx, with the objective of establishing potential risk factors, clinical and radiological presentation, time to development, treatment and outcome of this complication. Part II: analyzed series of TFx, which included cases of ANFH with or without details of aetiology, treatment modalities and outcomes, with the objective of assessing the incidence of ANFH in TFx.

RESULTS

Overall 80 articles with 192 cases of ANFH after TFx met the inclusion criteria. The most probable developmental pathway appears to be a disruption of the extra osseous arterial blood supply to the femoral head. Suggested risk factors included high-energy trauma with fracture comminution and displacement, and an atypical course of the fracture line, more proximal, at the base of the neck. Most cases were diagnosed within the first two years after fracture. The clinical and radiological features appear to be similar to those of idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The incidence of AVFH with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was calculated 0.95%, and with a minimum 2-year follow-up it was 1.37%. Total hip replacement was the mainstay of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AVFH after Tfx fixation is small 1.37% within the first 2 years of injury. Risk factors for the development of this complication are related to the severity of trauma, fragment geometry and fracture displacement. Optimum surgery of these fractures cannot guarantee prevention of ANFH.

Improved lag screw positioning in the treatment of proximal femur fractures using a novel computer assisted surgery method: a cadaveric study

Background

The importance of the tip-apex distance (TAD) to predict the cut-out risk of fixed angle hip implants has been widely discussed in the scientific literature. Intra-operative determination of TAD is difficult and can be hampered by image quality, body habitus, and image projection. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, through a cadaveric study, a novel computer assisted surgery system (ADAPT), which is intended for intraoperative optimisation of lag screw positioning during antegrade femoral nailing. A 3D measure for optimal lag screw position, the tip-to-head-surface distance (TSD), is introduced.

Methods

45 intra-medullary hip screw procedures were performed by experienced and less experienced surgeons in a cadaveric test series: in 23 surgeries the ADAPT system was used, and in 22 it was not used. The position of the lag screw within the femoral head and neck was evaluated using post-operative CT scans. TAD, TSD, fluoroscopy as well as procedure time and variability were assessed.

Results

The use of the ADAPT system increased accuracy in TSD values (i.e. smaller variability around the target value) for both groups of surgeons (interquartile range (IQR) of experienced surgeons: 4.10 mm (Conventional) vs. 1.35 mm (ADAPT) (p = 0.004)/IQR of less experienced surgeons: 3.60 mm (Conventional) vs. 0.85 mm (ADAPT) (p = 0.002)). The accuracy gain in TAD values did not prove to be significant in the grouped analysis (p = 0.269 for experienced surgeons; p = 0.066 for less experienced surgeons); however, the overall analysis showed a significant increase in accuracy (IQR: 4.50 mm (Conventional) vs. 2.00 mm (ADAPT) (p = 0.042)). The fluoroscopy time was significantly decreased by the use of the ADAPT system with a median value of 29.00 seconds (Conventional) vs. 17.00 seconds (ADAPT) for the less experienced surgeons (p = 0.046). There was no statistically significant impact on the procedure time (p = 0.739).

Conclusions

The ADAPT system improved the position of the lag screw within the femoral head, regardless of the surgeon’s level of clinical experience, and at the same time decreased overall fluoroscopy usage. These positive effects are achieved without increasing procedure time.

Prospective randomised controlled trial of an intramedullary nail versus a sliding hip screw for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective randomised trial was to assess whether an intramedullary nail is superior to a sliding hip screw in the treatment of multifragmentary intertrochanteric fractures

METHODS

Eighty patients with a 31-A2.2 or A2.3 Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) intertrochanteric fracture were randomly allocated to fixation with either the Gamma nail or the AMBI sliding hip screw device.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively, except for nine who died. There was no statistical difference in Parker mobility score between groups. The Gamma nail group had significantly higher Barthel Index and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores than the AMBI group at 12 months. At the same time, the EQ-5D score had returned to its pre-operative values in the Gamma nail group but not in the AMBI group. There were no differences in mortality, radiation time and hospital stay. Duration of the operation, incision length and hip pain occurrence were significantly less in the Gamma nail group.

CONCLUSIONS

Few failures occur when unstable 31-A2.2 and A2.3 AO/OTA fractures are fixed with a sliding hip screw. Nevertheless, an intramedullary nail seems superior in reconstituting patients to their pre-operative state.

Current options to surgical treatment in osteoporotic fractures

Treatment of osteoporotic fractures leads to significant challenges for the surgeon, including poor implant fixation related to low bone quality and compromised capacity of fracture healing. This article reviews the osteosynthesis and arthroplasty results in the surgical treatment of proximal femur, proximal humerus and wrist fractures to define the current options to decrease failure in fragility fracture management.

Influence of implant design on the method of failure for three implants designed for use in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures: the dynamic hip screw (DHS), DHS blade and X-BOLT

BACKGROUND

The dynamic hip screw (DHS) has been widely adopted as the implant of choice in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. There have been attempts over the years to improve on the DHS lag screw design in order to reduce failure in the form of "cut out". The purpose of this study was to investigate how two new design variations of the DHS, the DHS blade and the X-BOLT, behave within bone, and if these design modifications do indeed improve the fixation achieved and lead to a reduction in failure due to cut out.

METHODS

"Pushout" tests were chosen as the means of investigating the failure modes and patterns for these implants that lead to cut out. These pushout studies were performed in artificial bone substrate in the form of polyurethane foam blocks and in cadaveric femoral heads.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that each individual implant produces its own specific distinct force-displacement curve or pattern of failure, and that despite the very different implant designs and methods of fixation, all of the implants tested reached very similar peak forces in each of the test materials used.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that implant design only influences the pattern of failure, and that the peak forces reached by each implant are determined by the quality of the bone or test material into which they are placed. However, altering the force-displacement curve or pattern of failure may be enough to improve the fixation achieved and to provide an increased resistance to cut out.

Clinical and functional outcomes of the PCCP study: a multi-center prospective study in Italy

The standard surgical management of hip fractures is associated with tissue trauma and bleeding which are added to the fracture injury. The percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) is a minimally invasive device that has been demonstrated in previous studies to reduce postoperative complications and blood loss. This prospective, multi-center, observational study assessed clinical and functional outcomes with PCCP as treatment for trochanteric fractures. Patients with a stable or unstable proximal femoral fracture of type AO 31.A1 or 31.A2 were enrolled in eight hospitals in Italy. The primary outcome of interest was the recovery of the pre-fracture functional status at 1-year follow-up; secondary outcomes of interest included blood transfusions, surgical time, complications, and mortality. A total of 273 patients were enrolled. The ASA score was 3 or 4 in 72.5 % of patients. The mean surgical time was 44.1 min; the mean post-surgery blood transfusions was 0.9 units. At 1 year, 48 patients (17.6 %) died, 28 (10.2 %) were lost to follow-up, 4 patients (1.5 %) were excluded, hence 193 patients (70.3 %) were available for final evaluation. At the 1-year follow-up visit, 51.9 % of patients recovered or improved their pre-fracture modified Harris Hip Score, 49.1 % of patients improved or maintained their walking abilities, and 66.6 % of patients residing at home pre-surgery maintained their domicile. The overall mortality rate was 17.6 %. Major complications included two fracture collapses, one excessive sliding of the cephalic screw leading to a partial fracture collapse and one back-out of the diaphyseal screw. This study demonstrates that treatment of trochanteric fractures with PCCP gives good outcomes and significant advantages such as low blood loss, short surgical time, low risk of complications, and good functional recovery in the majority of the patients.

A biomechanical study comparing helical blade with screw design for sliding hip fixations of unstable intertrochanteric fractures

Dynamic hip screw (DHS) is a well-established conventional implant for treating intertrochanteric fracture. However, revision surgery sometimes still occurs due to the cutting out of implants. A helical blade instead of threaded screw (DHS blade) was designed to improve the fixation power of the osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. In this study, the biomechanical properties of DHS blade compared to the conventional DHS were evaluated using an unstable AO/OTA 31-A2 intertrochanteric fracture model. Fifty synthetic proximal femoral bone models with such configuration were fixed with DHS and DHS blade in five different positions: centre-centre (CC), superior-centre (SC), inferior-center (IC), centre-anterior (CA), and centre-posterior (CP). All models had undergone mechanical compression test, and the vertical and rotational displacements were recorded. The results showed that DHS blade had less vertical or rotational displacement than the conventional DHS in CC, CA, and IC positions. The greatest vertical and rotational displacements were found at CP position in both groups. Overall speaking, DHS blade was superior in resisting vertical or rotational displacement in comparison to conventional DHS, and the centre-posterior position had the poorest performance in both groups.

Dynamic hip screw blade fixation for intertrochanteric hip fractures

PURPOSE

To assess the one-year outcome of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) blade in the treatment of AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 intertrochanteric hip fractures.

METHODS

35 men and 65 women aged 47 to 100 (mean, 83) years underwent fixation with a DHS blade for A1 (n=47) and A2 (n=53) intertrochanteric hip fractures after a low-energy injury. Patients were operated on within 48 hours of admission. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were examined for the tip-apex distance and femoral shortening. Potential complications were looked for, including implant migration, cut-out, loosening, or breakage. Functional outcome was based on the Parker mobility score.

RESULTS

The 30-day and one-year mortality rates were 5% and 20%, respectively. At the one-year follow-up, 81 patients were available, and all fractures had healed without varus deformity. The mean tip-apex distance was 14.1 (range, 5.7-31.1; SD, 4.3) mm. The mean femoral shortening was 4.9 (range, 0-20.2; SD, 4.8) mm. The mean Parker score decreased to 3.8 at one-year follow-up from 5.9 before injury (p<0.001). There was one loss of fixation secondary to a non-traumatic subcapital fracture at 3 months, for which a bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed. CONCLUSION; The DHS blade system is effective in treating AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 intertrochanteric hip fractures and results in a low complication rate.

Treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fractures with proximal lateral femur locking plates

OBJECTIVE:

To study the outcome of subtrochanteric hip fractures treated with proximal lateral femur locking plate.

METHOD:

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical results of 48 cases of femoral subtrochanteric fractures treated with proximal lateral femur locking plates from January 2008 to May 2010. The progress of fracture healing, as well as the occurrence of complications, was recorded. The function of the hip joint was evaluated by the Harris social index and the Parker and Palmer mobility score one year after the operation.

RESULT:

45 patients were followed up until fracture union or a revision surgery. Among the 45 patients, 43 patients obtained fracture union without further intervention. Thirty-eight fractures healed with no loss of position at 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of hip screw cutting through the femoral head. The mean score of the Harris social index was 86.5±9.8 (73~95). The mean Parker and Palmer mobility score was 7.4±2.1 (3~9).

CONCLUSION:

The proximal lateral femur locking plate is the kind of stable and effective internal fixation for treating subtrochanteric hip fractures which has the advantage of stable fixation especially for the lateral femoral wall fracture. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Incidence and radiologic outcome of intraoperative lateral wall fractures in OTA 31A1 and A2 fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of intraoperative lateral wall fracture in OTA 31A1 and A2 fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail and to determine whether this contributed to the failure of treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

A cohort of 291 patients (31.A1/A2-231, A3-60) was assessed with pre- and postoperative radiographs. Patients with intact lateral wall fractures were included in the study. One hundred sixty-five of 231 patients (77%) completed radiologic follow-up. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (129 patients, 78%) consisted of patients with an intact lateral wall postoperatively. Group 2 (36 patients, 22%) consisted of patients who sustained lateral wall fracture intraoperatively (FLW).

INTERVENTION

Closed reduction and intramedullary nail insertion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Rate of failure/reoperation and collapse were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of intraoperative lateral wall fracture was 21% (48 of 165). Fracture collapse and failure rate were not statistically significant in either groups (group 1: 1%, group 2: 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of intraoperative lateral wall fracture in OTA 31A1 and A2 pertrochanteric fractures after cephalomedullary nailing is similar to sliding hip screws. The presence of lateral wall fracture did not adversely affect healing of pertrochanteric fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Salvage of failed trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures using a distally fixed, modular, uncemented hip revision stem

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Treatment options for failed internal fixation of hip fractures include prosthetic replacement. We evaluated survival, complications, and radiographic outcome in 30 patients who were operated with a specific modular, uncemented hip reconstruction prosthesis as a salvage procedure after failed treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and journal files to analyze complications and survival. Initially, a high proportion of trochanteric fractures (7/10) were classified as unstable and 12 of 20 subtrochanteric fractures had an extension through the greater trochanter. Modes of failure after primary internal fixation were cutout (n = 12), migration of the femoral neck screw (n = 9), and other (n = 9).

RESULTS

Mean age at the index operation with the modular prosthesis was 77 (52-93) years and the mean follow-up was 4 (1-9) years. Union of the remaining fracture fragments was observed in 26 hips, restoration of proximal bone defects in 16 hips, and bone ingrowth of the stem in 25 hips. Subsidence was evident in 4 cases. 1 patient was revised by component exchange because of recurrent dislocation, and another 6 patients were reoperated: 5 because of deep infections and 1 because of periprosthetic fracture. The cumulative 3-year survival for revision was 96% (95% CI: 89-100) and for any reoperation it was 83% (68-93).

INTERPRETATION

The modular stem allowed fixation distal to the fracture system. Radiographic outcome was good. The rate of complications, however-especially infections-was high. We believe that preoperative laboratory screening for low-grade infection and synovial cultures could contribute to better treatment in some of these patients.

Tip apex distance, hip screw placement, and neck shaft angle as potential risk factors for cut-out failure of hip screws after surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures

PURPOSE

To describe the quality of osteosynthesis after intertrochanteric fractures evaluation of tip apex distance (TAD) and position of the hip screw have been established. Furthermore, a slightly valgus fracture reduction has been suggested to reduce the risk of cut-out failure. However, uniform recommendations for optimal screw positioning and fracture reduction are still missing. The purpose of our study was to confirm potential risk factors for cut-out of hip screws of intertrochanteric fractures and to provide recommendations for practical clinical use.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with a DHS or a gamma nail between January of 2007 and May of 2010 was performed at a level I trauma center.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-five patients with intertrochanteric fractures after intra- and extramedullary stabilization were analyzed. A TAD of more than 25 mm was demonstrated to be the most important factor for cut-out in stable and unstable fractures. Fracture reduction with a valgus NSA of 5-10° was associated with a trend towards a lower rate of screw cut-out while an anterior placement of the screw (Parker's ratio index of <40) significantly increased cut-out incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, the TAD should not exceed 25 mm in stable (AO/OTA A1) as well as unstable (AO/OTA A2) fractures. An increased anterior hip screw placement should be avoided while fracture reduction with a slight valgus Neck Shaft seems favorable.

Evolving concepts of stability and intramedullary fixation of intertrochanteric fractures--a review

Intramedullary nailing is gradually emerging as the treatment of choice for pertrochanteric femoral fractures. Nevertheless, prospective randomised trials have failed to demonstrate the assumed superiority of cephalomedullary nails over the traditional treatment with the sliding hip screw. On the contrary, the gamma nail has been implicated in predisposing to secondary femoral fractures, although this seems to be rectified by newer techniques and nail designs. Sliding hip screw fixation remains the gold standard but can lead certain unstable pertrochanteric fracture subgroups to failure. Amongst these are transverse or reverse obliquity but also multifragmentary fractures, that suffer intra- or postoperative shattering of the lateral trochanteric wall. Nails seem to prevent failure by opposing the uncontrollable medialisation, and eventual failure, that occurs under these circumstances. The importance of the size of the proximal fracture fragment has not yet been elucidated. Nail fixation is, thus, mandatory in a small percentage of grossly unstable fractures, whose characteristics are still undergoing definition.

Outcome of the dynamic helical hip screw system for intertrochanteric hip fractures in the elderly patients

INTRODUCTION

The dynamic helical hip system (DHHS; Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) differs from the standard dynamic sliding hip screw (SHS) in that in preparing for its insertion, reaming of the femoral head is not performed, thereby preserving bone stock. It also requires less torque for insertion of the helical screw. The associated plate has locking options to allow locking screw fixation in the femoral shaft, thereby decreasing the chance of the plate pulling off. While biomechanical studies have shown improved resistance to cutout and increased rotational stability of the femoral head fragment when compared with traditional hip lag screws, there is limited information on clinical outcome of the implant available in the literature.

METHODS

We report a single surgeon series of 87 patients who were treated for their per-trochanteric hip fractures with this implant to evaluate their clinical outcome and compare it with a cohort of 344 patients who were treated with the standard SHS. All data were prospectively collected, most as part of a structured Geriatric Fracture Care Program.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were similar demographically, and medically, with similar rates of in-hospital complications and implant failure. Failure in the DHHS group was attributable to use of the implant outside its indications and repeated fall of the patient.

CONCLUSION

This limited case series showed that the DHHS outcomes are comparable with that of the SHS. Whether there is any benefit to its use will require larger, prospective randomized controlled trials.

Sliding hip screw versus the Targon PF nail in the treatment of trochanteric fractures of the hip: a randomised trial of 600 fractures

In a randomised trial involving 598 patients with 600 trochanteric fractures of the hip, the fractures were treated with either a sliding hip screw (n = 300) or a Targon PF intramedullary nail (n = 300). The mean age of the patients was 82 years (26 to 104). All surviving patients were reviewed at one year with functional outcome assessed by a research nurse blinded to the treatment used. The intramedullary nail was found to have a slightly increased mean operative time (46 minutes (sd 12.3) versus 49 minutes (sd 12.7), p < 0.001) and an increased mean radiological screening time (0.3 minutes (sd 0.2) versus 0.5 minutes (sd 0.3), p < 0.001). Operative difficulties were more common with the intramedullary nail. There was no statistically significant difference between implants for wound healing complications (p = 1), or need for post-operative blood transfusion (p = 1), and medical complications were similarly distributed in both groups. There was a tendency to fewer revisions of fixation or conversion to an arthroplasty in the nail group, although the difference was not statistically significant (nine versus three cases, p = 0.14). The extent of shortening, loss of hip flexion, mortality and degree of residual pain were similar in both groups. The recovery of mobility was superior for those treated with the intramedullary nails (p = 0.01 at one year from injury). In summary, both implants produced comparable results but there was a tendency to better return of mobility for those treated with the intramedullary nail.