Preliminary experience with MEDGAL DHS for treatment of proximal femoral fractures

Functional Outcomes of Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Unstable Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures in the Elderly: A Prospective Study

Background Intertrochanteric femur fractures are relatively common injuries among elderly individuals. Treatment options include fixation of intertrochanteric fractures using proximal femoral nails (PFNs), dynamic hip screws (DHSs), and unipolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Unstable types of intertrochanteric fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) types 31-A2 and A3) are more common in elderly osteoporotic people. Intertrochanteric femur fractures having a subtrochanteric extension, comminution at the posteromedial cortex, and reverse obliquity are considered to be unstable. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty as the primary treatment option. Aims and objectives This study aims to assess the functional outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Criteria. The time point of assessment was from August 2016 to August 2018. Material and methods Fifteen elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Patients with unstable femur fractures or with osteoporosis and age above 65 years were included in the study. Harris Hip Score and the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Criteria were used to measure functional outcomes. Patients were followed up at the first, third, and sixth months and subsequently at the end of one year. Results The mean age of the patients was 78.73 years. The majority (11) of the patients were female (73%). The average operative time was 119 minutes, the average blood loss was 380 ml, the mean postoperative hospital stay was 12 days, and the average time taken for mobilization was four days. An average of 15 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The HHS on the first follow-up was 42.44 (SD of 6.52), followed by a score of 64.43 (SD of 8.11) on the second follow-up, 82.32 (SD of 2.81) on the third follow-up, and 84.23 (SD of 3.15) on the fourth follow-up. Eleven patients had good results, and two had fair results at the one-year follow-up, according to the HHS. According to the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Criteria, 11 patients had very good results, and two had moderate results at the one-year follow-up. The average Merle d'Aubigné score was 14.6 on the final follow-up after one year. Conclusion Bipolar hemiarthroplasty in an unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture in the elderly results in better functional outcomes, as it helps in early full weight-bearing mobilization, which significantly decreases complications of prolonged immobilization and can be safely considered in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

A preliminary experience with a new intramedullary nail for trochanteric fractures

Background and aim of the work:

The worldwide incidence of fractures of the proximal end of the femur is increasing as the average age of the population rises. The current surgical gold treatment standard is intramedullary nail fixation. The Authors present their experience with the D-Nail system for intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Methods:

From January 1st to February 21st 2020 (breakout of COVID-19 pandemic) 34 patients were treated with the D-Nail system: 11 with basicervical fractures, 16 with intertrochanteric stable fractures and 7 with intertrochanteric unstable fractures. In 11 cases, a single cephalic screw was used; in 23 cases, two of them were used. Distal locking was executed in 7 patients. Follow-up time ranged from 2 to 3 months.

Results:

None of the reported intra- or post-operative complication was linked to the fixation device or the surgical technique. Patients were monitored with clinical and radiological checkups using modified Harris Hip Score to accurately evaluate the fluctuations in the rehabilitation period.

Conclusion:

The main advantages of this synthesis device are the proximal hole’s peculiar shape, which allows the possibility to position one or two cephalic screws on the same nail, and the silicon coating, which provides numerous biological advantages. Distal locking was executed in selected cases only, based on fracture type. Optimum treatment involves rapid execution of surgery, minimal trauma during surgery, maximum mechanical stability, and rapid weight-bearing. Although our case number is small and follow-up time brief, our results are encouraging. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Proximal femur fractures in COVID-19 emergency: the experience of two Orthopedics and Traumatology Departments in the first eight weeks of the Italian epidemic

INTRODUCTION

CoVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) is a worldwide infection which is causing millions of deaths. A significant number of elderly patients require hospitalization and develop serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preliminary impact (8 weeks) of CoVID-19, focusing on proximal femur fractures, analyzing data and results compared to the same period of 2019.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 22nd to April 18th, 2020 we surgically treated 121 proximal femur fractures (61 in Piacenza; 60 in Parma, 16 male, 44 female, mean age 81.1). In the same period of 2019, we treated 169 proximal femur fractures (90 in Piacenza, 33 male, 57 female, mean age 81.9; 79 in Parma, 29 males, 50 female, mean age 80.2). We had 21/61 (34.4%) patients resulted positive for COVID-19 and 11/61 in Parma (18.3%), based on nasal-pharyngeal swab, chest CT scan and/or lung US findings.

RESULTS

The incidence of proximal femur fractures had a significant reduction during CoVID-19 spread in Piacenza and Parma. Authors have noticed an elevated number of deaths within 21 days after surgery. Piacenza: 4 cases in 2019 (4.4%) and 11 in 2020 (18.0%), of which 9 cases CoVID positive. In Parma in 2019 two deaths were encountered; in 2020 6 patients died and 5 cases were CoVID positive.

CONCLUSION

In the first two months of the Italian epidemic, in the cities of Piacenza and Parma over 80% of deaths have occurred in patients over 70 years old. Even if preliminary, our study shows a significant increase in death in elderly patients surgically treated for proximal femur fractures, particularly in the Piacenza Hospital.