The Treatment Strategies for Failed Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures

[Nonunions after intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures]

INTRODUCTION

The overall frequency of proximal femoral fractures means that we are repeatedly confronted with failed healing and implant failure, despite a relatively low nonunion rate especially in intertrochanteric fractures (< 5%). The aim of this paper is to present our approach to treating these nonunions of the proximal femur and discuss the treatment results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2009 and 2023, patients with nonunion of the proximal femur were retrospectively identified and analyzed. Age, gender, time to revision, the Weber-Cech classification of pseudarthrosis and radiographic imaging before and after revision were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 58 years (range 25-88 years). The overall healing rate was 88% with a mean consolidation time of 8 months (range 2-29 months). The main osteosynthesis procedures were plate osteosynthesis (n = 45, of which 44 were blade plates), and nail replacement (n = 12). Other procedures included augmentative plate osteosyntheses (n = 4), isolated cancellous bone graft (n = 2), nail dynamization (n = 2), and the use of a dynamic hip screw (n = 1).

DISCUSSION

The analysis of our treatment data as well as the current literature, revealed a trend towards intramedullary revision procedures. Implants that can be used to correct the CCD angle, such as the blade plate, remain a predictable option to achieve correction, especially in nonunions with an increased degree of varus. Particularly in the subtrochanteric region, fractures can also be treated in a targeted manner by a combination of mechanical and biological methods with a reamed nail change to a larger caliber implant.

A Good Tip-Apex Distance Does Not Make Up For a Poor Reduction in Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures Treated with an Cephalomedullary Nail: The Utility of the Neck-Shaft Angle in Preventing Fixation Failure

PURPOSE

Determine if any fracture characteristics or radiographic parameters were predictive of fixation failure [FF] within 1 year following cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

A consecutive series of intertrochanteric hip fracture patients (AO/OTA 31A) treated with a cephalomedullary nail were reviewed. Pre-fixation (neck-shaft angle [NSA], distance from ischial tuberosities to greater and lesser trochanters, integrity of lesser trochanter, and fracture angulation) and post-fixation (post-fixation NSA, posteromedial cortex continuity, lag screw position, tip to apex distance [TAD], and post-fixation angulation and translation) radiographic parameters were measured by blinded independent reviewers. The FF and non-FF groups were statistically compared. Logistic regression was performed to determine radiographic parameter correlates of FF.

RESULTS

Of 1249 patients, 23 (1.8%) developed FF within 1 year. The FF patients were younger than their non-FF counterparts (77.2 years vs 81.0 years, p=0.048), however there were no other demographic differences. The FF cohort did not differ in frequency of TAD over 25 mm (4.3% vs 9.6%, p=0.624) and had decreased mean TAD (13.6mm vs 16.3mm, p=0.021) relative to the non-FF cohort. The FF cohort had a higher rate of a post-fixation coronal plane NSA more than 10° different from the contralateral side (delta NSA>10°, 34.8% vs 13.7%, p=0.011) with the majority fixed in relative varus. For every 1° increase in varus compared to the contralateral side the odds of FF increased 7% (OR=1.065, 95%CI[1.005-1.130], p=0.034) on univariate analysis. On univariate logistic regression, patients with an absolute post-fixation NSA of 10° or more of varus compared to contralateral were significantly more likely to have a FF (OR=3.139, 95%CI[1.067-8.332], p=0.026).

CONCLUSION

Despite an acceptable TAD, post-fixation NSA in relative varus as compared to the contralateral side was significantly associated with failure in intertrochanteric hip fractures fixed with a cephalomedullary nail.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III.

Mechanical Complications After Intramedullary Fixation of Extracapsular Hip Fractures

Extracapsular hip fractures occur frequently in the elderly as a result of low-energy trauma. Achieving stable fixation in osteoporotic bone to allow early weight bearing is a key objective in the treatment of these injuries. Many of the intraoperative decisions facing surgeons are directed by first determining fracture stability. Unstable fracture patterns should be fixated with intramedullary nails, aiming to control motion around the implant and at the fracture site. Torsion control devices provide additional stability and control, although their exact indications are not precisely defined. Complications that arise as a result of the early loading can be avoided with a good surgical reduction, meticulous technique, and proper implant selection. Mechanical complications include cutout, inordinate proximal femoral shortening, delayed union, early implant fracture, nail toggle, and cut through/medial migration.

Finite-Element Analysis of a Novel Cephalomedullary Nail for Restricted Sliding to Reduce Risk of Implant Failure in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures

Objective

How to restrict sliding of cephalomedullary nail and rigid reconstruct medial support for unstable intertrochanteric fractures remains a challenge. This study aims to explore the feasibility of a novel cephalomedullary nail for restriction sliding and reconstruction of medial femoral support to prevent failure in unstable trochanteric fractures through finite element analysis.

Methods

The DICOM files of a unilateral femur spiral computed tomography (CT) scans from a elderly female were converted into STL files, and the most common clinical trochanteric fracture model with the absence of medial support, AO/OTA 31‐A2.3 was simulated by removing the posterior medial femur. The model of a novel medial sustain nail (MSN‐II) and a widely used nail (proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation PFNA‐II) were modeled according to the manufacturer‐provided engineering drawing. Different loads were applied to the femoral head to simulate the postoperative weight bearing gait. The sliding distance of helical blade in femoral neck, maximum stress of femur and nail, displacement of proximal fragment were analyzed to revealing the mechanical stability of unstable trochanteric fracture stabilized by different implant.

Results

The sliding distance of helical blade in the femoral neck, the maximum stress on the femur and nail, the displacement of proximal fragment in MSN‐II under 2100N axial load were 0.65 mm, 689 MPa, 1271 MPa, 16.84 mm respectively, while that were 1.43 mm, 720.8 MPa, 1444 MPa, 18.18 mm, respectively in PFNA‐II. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and the stress was mainly distributed in medial distal side of nail but helical blade and the proximal aperture for the nail in MSN‐II. Compared to PFNA‐II, MSN‐II demonstrates biomechanical merit against femur medialization, cut‐out and coax varus.

Conclusion

The sliding distance of helical blade in femoral neck, the maximum stress on the femur and nail, and the displacement of proximal fragment of MSN‐II were less than those of PFNA‐II in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Therefore MSN‐II has better stability than PFNA‐II and it may have the potential to avoid femur medialization and cut out. It might be an option in unstable trochanteric fracture because of its superiority in restricted sliding and medial support reconstruction.

Traction-bed-assisted reduction and double-plate fixation for treatment of comminuted femoral intertrochanteric fractures with coronal split

Background

A coronal comminuted femoral intertrochanteric fracture is a special type of fracture that easily leads to internal fixation failure, and the current internal fixation techniques remain controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effect of traction-bed-assisted reduction and double-plate internal fixation in the treatment of comminuted and coronally split intertrochanteric femoral fracture.

Method

Retrospective analyses of the clinical data of 83 patients diagnosed with, and treated for, comminuted and coronally split intertrochanteric femoral fracture from December 2017 to November 2019 were conducted. Among the total number of 83 patients, 40 patients received traction-bed-assisted reduction and PFNA fixation (the control group), whereas 43 patients received traction-bed-assisted reduction and double-plate internal fixation (the experimental group). The major indicators for the research analysis such as the general information of patients, perioperative data, and follow-up data of both groups were collected, sorted out, and meticulously analyzed.

Results

The time taken for traction-bed-assisted reduction and double-plate intern fixation in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < .05). The post-operative Harris Hip Score (HHS) at 3 months and at the final follow-up after the surgery was significantly better in the experimental group compared with that in the control group, both of which were statistically significant (P < .05). However, there were statistically no significant differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, amount of intraoperative total blood loss, immediate post-operative Hb level, incidence of wound infection within 14 days post-operatively, time taken to step up on the ground after surgery, HHS 2 weeks after surgery, time taken for fracture healing, and the incidence of complications (P > .05).

Conclusion

The use of a traction bed to achieve adequate reduction, followed by internal fixation using double plates, comparatively takes less time for both reduction and operation in the treatment of comminuted and coronally split intertrochanteric femoral fractures, which also restores proper hip joint movements relatively early and hence provides better hip joint functions in the long run.

Conversion total hip arthroplasty following extracapsular hip fracture fixation with a cephalomedullary device: a comprehensive review

With the annual incidence of hip fractures and hip fracture fixation rising, the need for conversion total hip arthroplasty has also risen. About half of the 280,000 hip fractures that occur annually in the United States are extracapsular. Commonly extracapsular hip fractures are treated with either cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) or sliding hip screws (SHS). More recently, there has been a shift toward increased CMN use due to increased training with this fixation method as well as perioperative and biomechanical benefits. Given this shift, orthopedic surgeons need to understand the factors that lead to CMN failure. Failed CMN treatment leaves both patients and surgeons with few management options including revision fixation with or without osteotomy, conversion total hip arthroplasty, and conversion hemiarthroplasty. Surgeons must consider the patient and injury characteristics before deciding the best treatment plan. Conversion total hip arthroplasty is indicated in younger patients without femoral head and/or acetabular articular injury, degenerative joint disease, or avascular necrosis. Conversion total arthroplasty is a technically demanding and resource-intensive surgery associated with lower success rates and outcomes than primary total hip arthroplasty. Orthopedic surgeons should have thorough understanding of preoperative workup needed prior to surgery, implant selection associated with best outcomes, most common surgical approaches used, intraoperative considerations, and complications associated with conversion total hip arthroplasty. A comprehensive understanding of these concepts gives patients the best chance of having a successful outcome.

Analysis of risk factor for nail breakage in patients with mechanical failures after proximal femoral nail antirotation in intertrochanteric fractures

Breakage of the intramedullary nail is a rare complication after proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in intertrochanteric fracture treatment. The purpose of this study was (1) to investigate the frequency of nail breakage among the patients who were treated for mechanical failure after PFNA for intertrochanteric/pertrochanteric fracture, and (2) to determine the risk factors for nail breakage in PFNA treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.To identify mechanical failure after internal fixation using PFNA, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 35 patients (35 hips) who required reoperation after PFNA with a helical blade for intertrochanteric/pertrochanteric fracture between June 2005 and June 2018.We evaluated the frequency of breakage of PFNA and compared the demographic and radiologic parameters between the breakage and control (non-breakage) groups. We also compared the lever arm for the load of stress from the fulcrum according to the centrum-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle of blade by using reverse design technique.Among the 25 patients with mechanical failure after PFNA except 10 patients with peri-implant infection and osteonecrosis, 7 (28.0%) showed breakage of PFNA at average of 8 months (range, 5-13 months) after index surgery. A larger horizontal offset (the horizontal distance from the lateral surface of the IM nail and the medial tip of helical blade) was associated with an increased risk of nail breakage. A CCD angle of 130° has a shorter lever arm for the load of stress from the fulcrum, meaning a higher stress for nail breakage, although there was no association between CCD angle and breakage of the nail.Our study suggested that higher horizontal offset and a higher CCD angle can increase the risk of breakage of the PFNA nail at the aperture for the helical blade.

Refracture After Removal of the PFNA in a Healed Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture: Case Report

Hardware removal in a healed intertrochanteric fracture in elderly, which is not a routine procedure, should be needed in the case of irritable hardware. The reports of refracture after hardware removal can be seen as sparse in current literature, which are focused to secondary femoral neck fracture after removal of the lag screw or blade. We experienced a case of the intertrochanteric refracture and varus collapse after the PFNA removal in a healed fracture, treated with valgus trochanteric osteotomy and angled blade plate fixation. The PFNA is an innovative device for the treatment of the trochanteric fracture; however, the complications after removal never end. Therefore, the removal from healed fracture in elderly who have osteoporosis should not be recommended unless intractable pain had persisted.

Predictors of post-hip fracture knee pain in hospitalized older adults with intertrochanteric femoral fracture

BACKGROUND

Post-hip fracture knee pain (PHFKP) is an important issue that contributes to reduced gait speed and prolonged hospitalization. Femoral morphology has been reported to contribute to the development of PHFKP, but an independent association has not been confirmed and clinically applicable cutoffs for predicting the development of PHFKP remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether femoral morphology and knee extension range of motion limitation are independent factors in PHFKP and to determine cutoffs for predicting the development of PHFKP.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review study.

SETTING

Convalescent inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in a convalescent ward after intertrochanteric femoral fracture surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

PHFKP development, radiographic femoral morphology (leg length discrepancy and neck-shaft angle), and knee extension range of motion limitation.

RESULTS

PHFKP developed in 36 (35%) of the 103 patients enrolled. The PHFKP group had a longer hospital stay (p = .029), greater weight (p = .031), greater knee extension range of motion limitation (p = .001), and more varus neck-shaft angle (p < .001) compared to the non-PHFKP group. Varus neck-shaft angle (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.92; p < .001) and knee extension range of motion limitation (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.30; p = .001) were significant factors for PHFKP development. Neck-shaft angle discrepancy and knee extension range of motion limitation demonstrated moderate accuracy in discriminating development of PHFKP according to receiver operating characteristic analysis, with cutoffs of 9.6° and 7.5°, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66-0.88; p < .001) for neck-shaft angle discrepancy and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.56-0.79; p = .004) for knee extension range of motion limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Varus neck-shaft angle and knee extension range of motion limitation were identified as independent predictors of PHFKP. The cutoff for neck-shaft angle may be useful for predicting PHFKP development and to define an acceptable angle of fracture reduction to prevent PHFKP.

Femoral Neck Shaft Angle and Management of Proximal Femur Fractures: Is the Contralateral Femur a Reliable Template?

OBJECTIVES

To (1) assess interrater reliability of a novel technique for measurement of neck shaft angle (NSA); (2) use pelvic anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of unaffected hips to assess variability of NSA; and (3) evaluate the side-to-side variability of NSA to determine reliability of using the contralateral hip as a template.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic Level 1 regional trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred six femora (203 patients) with standing AP pelvis radiographs were selected. Exclusions included lack of acceptable imaging, congenital abnormalities, or prior hip surgery.

INTERVENTION

An AP pelvis radiograph in the standing position.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Bilateral NSA measurements obtained in a blinded fashion between 2 reviewers. Pearson coefficients and coefficient of determination assessed correlations and variability between left and right NSA. Concordance correlation coefficients assessed the interrater reliability between measurements performed by the 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

Two hundred three patients (406 femora) were assessed. Male patients had a lower overall NSA mean of 131.56 degrees ± 4.74 than females with 133.61 degrees ± 5.17. There was no significant difference in NSA side-to-side in females (P = 0.18), 0.3 degrees [95% confidence interval (-0.15 to 0.75)], or males (P = 0.68), 0.19 degrees [95% confidence interval (-0.74 to 1.12)]. There was a strong linear relationship between left and right femora (r2 = 0.70). Forty-one percent of patients fell within the 131-135 degrees range bilaterally. Eighty-eight percent of patients had <5 degrees difference in NSA bilaterally and 0% had >10 degrees difference.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant variability between bilateral femora in males and females. Use of this measurement method and contralateral NSA for proximal femur fracture planning is supported.

Conventional versus helical blade screw insertion following the removal of the femoral head screw: a biomechanical evaluation using trochanteric gamma 3 locking nail versus PFN antirotation

OBJECTIVE

When a hip screw needs to be changed, choosing between the conventional (C-type) and helical blade (H-type) types is difficult. In this biomechanical study, we compared these two screw types relative to the type of the initial screw used.

METHODS

C- or H-type screws were inserted (leading screw) in three types of polyurethane bone models (Sawbone, Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc., Washington, USA: 130 × 180 × 40 mm) of different bone mineral densities (pounds per cubic feet [PCF] 5, 80 kg/m³; PCF 10, 160 kg/m³; and PCF 15, 240 kg/m³), and then successively or alternately inserted (following screw) after the leading screw removal. An original model (original C and H) of a leading screw without removal was created as a control. The strengths of resistance to pullout (PO) and rotational stress were measured. For each experimental condition, there were 30 experimental models.

RESULTS

The original C screw was superior in PO strength, and the original H-type screw was superior in rotational strength. When the C- or H-type screw was the leading screw, using the C-type screw again as the following screw (C1-C2, H1-C2) showed the greatest resistance to PO, and using the H-type screw as the following screw (C1-H2, H1-H2) showed superior resistance to rotational strength. However, the rotational strength of the C2 screw decreased by more than 50% compared with that of the original C screw. Moreover, the PO and rotational strengths of the H2 screw decreased to less than 30% overall compared with those of the original H screw.

CONCLUSION

The H-type screw should be used for second-time screw insertion procedures in cases where it is difficult to choose between PO and rotational strengths.

Proximal femoral replacement: A salvage treatment of cephalomedullary nails' mechanical failures in the elderly population

BACKGROUND

The use of proximal femoral replacements (PFR) has been recently described for catastrophic internal fixation failures. PFR is an attractive treatment option because it is technically straightforward and allows for immediate mobilization of the patient. The aim of the study was to determine the survivorship, functional outcome and complications' rate in a group of elderly patients who underwent proximal femoral replacement as a salvage treatment after femur cephalomedullary nails' mechanical failures.

METHODS

We evaluated 21 patients who underwent salvage of a failed cephalomedullary nail by using a single design PFR at our institution between 2014-2017. A cemented stem was used in all cases. Radiographs were assessed for fractures, sign of loosening, presence of heterotopic ossification and leg length discrepancy. Functional evaluation was performed through Harris Hip Score (HHS), FIM™ and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to determine the overall implants' survival.

RESULTS

The average age at the time of surgery was 83years. The mean follow-up was 3.1years. We recorded 3 dislocations of which 2 required a revision. No case of septic or aseptic failure was reported. Two patients died respectively at 11 and 14 months after surgery. At the last follow-up the mean HHS, FIM™, and the TUG improved significantly (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Immediate weight bearing, good functional outcomes, low complications' and one-year mortality rate make the proximal femur replacement with megaprostheses a potential first line treatment of intertrochanteric/subtrochanteric fixations' failures among elderly, osteoporotic, frail patients. Dislocation is the most common complication to bear in mind within the first six months after surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Internal Fixation Failure of Femoral Peritrochanteric Fracture

Objective

To investigate the factors, surgical treatment methods and clinical effect of internal fixation failure of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.

Methods

From June 2015 to May 2019, arthroplasty and internal fixation revision were used to treat 18 cases of internal fixation failure of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. There were 10 males and eight females, with an average age of 67.3 years (38–92 years). The 16 cases of initial intertrochanteric fractures were classified according to AO/OTA:13 cases of A2 and 3 cases of A3, the other 2 cases were subtrochanteric fractures (Seinsheimer type IV). The internal fixation failure was treated with total hip arthroplasty (6 cases), bipolar hemiarthroplasty (4 cases), revision with proximal femoral lockingplate (4 cases) and extend intramedullary nail (4 cases).

Results

All patients were followed up for an average of 24.7 months (range, 12 to 36 months). The average operative time was 111.4 min (range, 72 to 146 min) and the average intraoperative blood loss was 403.6 mL (range, 200 to 650 mL). The average time of fracture union was 6.9 months (range, 5 to 9 months) for cases of internal fixation revision. The operative time of the arthroplasty group was shorter than the revision group (P < 0.001), and the intraoperative blood loss of the arthroplasty group was less than the revision group (P = 0.001). The affected limb shortening of postoperative (0.21 ± 0.19 cm) was better than preoperative (2.01 ± 0.60 cm) (P < 0.001), while the limb shortening of the arthroplasty group (0.11 ± 0.21 cm) was less than the revision group (0.33 ± 0.09 cm) (P = 0.015). At the last follow‐up, all injured limbs regained walking function, and the Harris hip score was 81.3 ± 9.4 points. The Harris score of postoperative was better than preoperative (33.4 ± 5.9 points) (P < 0.001), while there were no significant differences between the arthroplasty group and the revision group at 3 months (76.5 ± 8.5 vs 71.1 ± 10.6, P = 0.249), 6 months (80.9 ± 7.9 vs 78.9 ± 12.9,P = 0.687) postoperative and the last follow‐up (80.5 ± 8.3 vs 82.3 ± 11.7, P = 0.716) respectively.

Conclusion

For internal fixation failure of peritrochanteric fractures, young patients could accept internal fixation revision to restore normal anatomical structure, correct varus deformity and autograft; while elderly patients and patients with damaged femoral head could be treated with arthroplasty to restore walking function.

Comparison of clinical outcomes with hip replacement versus PFNA in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA)

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of HR and PFNA in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.

METHODS

We carried out this review according to the principle of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies (RCSs), and case-control studies involving HR and PFNA in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly from 2000 to 2020 were compared by searching Web of Science, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. The quality of the included cohort study (CS) lines was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The quality of the included RCT lines was evaluated using Jadad. Forest plots were drawn by RevMan5.4 software based on the results and the data were analyzed.

RESULTS

After screening, a total of 9 articles were included, of which one was a clinical RCT and eight were RCSs with 1374 patients. The operative time of the PFNA group was shorter [WMD = 15.20; 95% CI (13.17, 17.23), P < .05] and the intraoperative blood loss was less [WMD = 178.81; 95% CI (97.24, 260.38), P < .05] than the HR group, while the first weight-bearing time of the HR group was shorter [WMD = -7.70; 95% CI (-10.54, -4.86), P  < .05] than the PFNA group. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay, HHS, postoperative orthopedic complications, and postoperative medical complications between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

With the development of HR technology and minimally invasive technology, the trauma caused by surgery is decreasing. Under the premise of improving perioperative management, such as optimizing the preoperative preparation and postoperative management, shortening the operative time, reducing intraoperative blood loss, and actively managing co-existing diseases, HR has more advantages than PFNA in the treatment of senile intertrochanteric fractures.

Medial support nail and proximal femoral nail antirotation in the treatment of reverse obliquity inter-trochanteric fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesfrogen/Orthopedic Trauma Association 31-A3.1): a finite-element analysis

BACKGROUND

The reverse obliquity inter-trochanteric fracture is a distinct fracture pattern that is mechanically different from most inter-trochanteric fractures and the optional treatment of it is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in the efficacy of a novel nail (medial support nail [MSN-II]) and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-II) in the treatment of reverse obliquity inter-trochanteric fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesfrogen/Orthopedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA] 31-A3.1) using finite-element analysis.

METHODS

Modeling software was used to establish a three-dimensional model of MSN-II and PFNA-II and an A3.1 inter-trochanteric fracture model. Abaqus software was used to implement different force loads to compare finite-element biomechanical parameters such as the maximum stress in implant and the displacement of fracture site.

RESULTS

The femoral stress, implant stress and fracture site displacement of MSN-II was less than that of PFNA-II. The results indicated that the maximal femoral stress was 581 MPa for PFNA-II and 443 MPa for the MSN-II. The maximum stress values in the PFNA-II and MSN-II models were 291 and 241 MPa, respectively. The maximal displacements of the fracture site were 1.47 and 1.16 mm in the PFNA-II and MSN-II models, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared with PFNA-II for inter-trochanteric fracture (AO/OTA 31-A3.1), MSN-II which was designed with a triangular stability structure can provide better biomechanical stability. The MSN-II may be a feasible option for the treatment of reverse obliquity inter-trochanteric fracture.

Proximal femur fracture non-union with or without implant failure: A revision technique with clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

This manuscript presents a revision surgical technique with clinical outcomes for the management of inter and subtrochanteric femur fracture non-union with or without implant failure.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and January 2019, consecutive patients presenting with inter and subtrochanteric femur fracture non-union and/or implant failure managed with exchange intramedullary nailing, LCP augmentation and biological supplementation were identified. Patient demographics and perioperative data was recorded.

RESULTS

13 patients with 10 intertrochanteric and 3 subtrochanteric femur fractures were identified. Revision was performed for implant failure in 8 (62%) patients and non-union in 5 (38%) patients. Fracture union occurred in all patients at an average of 9 months post revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Exchange intramedullary nailing, with LCP augmentation and biological supplementation is an effective technique to restore anatomy, maintain function and facilitate immediate weight bearing while providing a fixation construct able to withstand the often extended time periods required to achieve fracture union.

Procedure for Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures using the "Three-Finger Method" Assisted by Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation

Objective

To assess long‐term follow‐up evaluations for the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures with the “three‐finger method” assisted by proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA).

Methods

From January 2010 to January 2017, 123 patients were selected and followed for the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures with PFNA assisted by the “three‐finger method” (application of the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger in the process of surgery to assist PFNA). There were 56 male patients and 67 female patients aged 52–93 years with an average age of 75.6 years, and 88 cases were due to a fall and 35 due to a traffic accident injury. The femoral necks were fixed with PFNA assisted by the “three‐finger method” applying the following procedure: traction reduction, determining the incision, inserting the needle, and placing screw. The Harris hip score, postoperative complications, hip pain and function status were statistically analyzed to evaluate the surgical efficacy and to discuss the surgical technique of the “three‐finger method” assisted by PFNA.

Results

According to the Harris scoring criteria, patients were followed for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 years, and the good outcomes of patients were recorded. The excellent and good rate of 87% was the highest in the second year of follow‐up. Then, the rate decreased following the eighth year of follow‐up. The excellent and good rate of 82.7% was the lowest. The patients with incisions healed well, there were no instances of fat liquefaction or infection. There were three cases of effusion, the rate was 2.4%. The secretions were cultured, and no bacterial growth was found. After treatment of the wound, it healed, and the spiral blade used for the femoral head did not wear out. There was one case of femoral head necrosis. There was no significant correlation between hip pain and sex and age (P > 0.05), and the function of the hip joint was significantly correlated with the age of the patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The “three‐finger method” in the process of surgery to assist PFNA for the treatment of patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur simplified the operation steps, reduced the operation difficulty, shortened the operation time, improved the operation efficiency, and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications.

Salvage treatment of failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures: What factors determine the failure of treatment?

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic result in patients who got salvage treatment for the failed fixation of intertrochanteric fracture and to evaluate the factors that may affect healing of these treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2016, 39 patients who could be followed up for more than 1 year after treatment were enrolled. For determining of factor that may affect healing of treatment, the primary outcome was based on union. There were success group which achieved a restored union and failure group which had an additional revisional surgery because of another complication for analysis. And neck-shaft angle (NSA) was measured with a goniometer.

RESULTS

Fracture healing as a primary outcome (after revision surgery) was achieved 31 out of 39 patients (80%). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of age, sex, BMI and laterality. In the clinical outcomes, four categories of outcomes were compared between the success and failure groups and significant improvements were observed. In measurements at final follow-up, it the angle was 133.4° in the success group and 123.4° in the failure group.

CONCLUSION

The clinical and radiographic results of the salvage treatment for the failed fixation of intertrochanteric fracture were satisfactory in our study. Restoration of femoral neck-shaft angle of failed intertrochanteric fracture is key factors for obtaining successful results.