Outcome of Pertrochanteric Femur Fractures with Proximal Femur Locking Compression Plate

Background: Fractures of the proximal femur, including fractures affecting the pertrochanteric region, have become a public health problem. Owing to aging of the population, we have to operate on even more elderly patients who sometimes present with significant co-morbidities. Although conventional implants have given good results in stable peritrochanteric fractures, proximal femur locking compression plate (PFLCP) which has been recently introduced is better suited for comminuted, unstable pertrochanteric fractures and osteoporotic bones. In PF-LCP, bone-implantconstruct so formed is mechanically stable and fixation failure due to screw loosening in osteoporotic bone can be reduced. Materials &Methods: This prospective study was conducted in our institute and was approved by local ethical committee. Twenty-five consecutive patients of either sex with age more than 60 years (range, 60-84) having pertrochanteric fractures were operated upon with PFLCP. A.O classification was followed in the study and Singh抯 index for osteoporosis was calculated. Operating time, blood loss and any technical difficulty with the implant were recorded. Patients were followed clinically and radiologically for union at fracture site and implant-related complications for a period of 24 months. The Harris Hip Score was used to document hip functions at final follow-up. Observations: Amongst the 25 patients, the average operation time in our study was 66.60�.57 minutes. The average radiological union was 3.40�63 months (13.6 weeks). Average time for full weight bearing was 13.12�90 weeks. There were two cases of wound infection, one case of coxa vara and one case of a proximal screw back-out. There was no case of plate lift or screw breakage. There was no case of non-union. Conclusion: The PFLCP can be a feasible alternative to the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures. Treatment with PFLCP can provide good-to-excellent healing in osteoporotic bones having comminuted and unstable peritrochanteric fractures, with a limited occurrence of complications.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Retrieved Implants Suggests a Ratcheting Mechanism Behind Medial Migration in Cephalomedullary Nailing of Hip Fractures

@#Introduction:Medial migration is the paradoxical migration of the femoral neck element (FNE) superomedially against gravity with respect to the intramedullary component of the cephalomedullary device, increasingly seen in the management of pertrochanteric hip fractures with the intramedullary nail. We postulate that the peculiar antigravity movement of the FNE in the medial migration phenomenon stems from a ratcheting mechanism at the intramedullary nail-FNE interface, which should inadvertently produce unique wear patterns on the FNE that can be seen with high-powered microscopy. By examining the wear patterns on retrieved implants from patients with medial migration, our study aims to draw clinical correlations to the ratcheting mechanism hypothesis. Material and methods: Four FNEs were retrieved from revision surgeries of four patients with prior intramedullary nail fixation of their pertrochanteric hip fractures complicated by femoral head perforation. The FNEs were divided into two groups based on whether or not there was radiographic evidence of medial migration prior to the revisions. Wear patterns on the FNEs were then assessed using both scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Results: Repetitive, linearly-arranged, regularly-spaced, unique transverse scratch marks were found only in the group with medial migration, corresponding to the specific segment of the FNE that passed through the intramedullary component of the PFNA during medial migration. These scratch marks were absent in the group without medial migration. Conclusion: Our findings are in support of a ratcheting mechanism behind the medial migration phenomenon with repetitive toggling at the intramedullary nail-FNE interface and progressive propagation of the FNE against gravity.

Factores asociados a fallo en la osteosíntesis de fracturas transtrocantéricas / Factor associated in the failure of the ostheosyntesis of transtrocantheric fractures

Resumen: Las fracturas transtrocantéricas representan la mitad de las fracturas del fémur proximal. La mayor incidencia es en > 65 años, mujeres y presentan mortalidad al año del 14 al 50%. Los objetivos de tratamiento son: fijación estable, restaurar la movilidad y recuperar la función. Las complicaciones tienen una incidencia de 17%, siendo las más comunes: desplazamiento en varo, no unión y cut out. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre falla de la osteosíntesis y los siguientes factores: mala reducción, inestabilidad, índice punta ápice > (TAI) 25 mm, punta ápice modificado al calcar (TAICal) > 20 mm e índice de Parker. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes con fracturas transtrocantéricas. De enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2014, se incluyeron 91 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El seguimiento se hizo a 6 meses para valorar complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el grupo 1 a 27 pacientes que presentaron falla y en el grupo 2 a 64 pacientes. Se obtuvieron en el grupo 1 valores de TAI 13.7 a 45 mm y en el grupo 2 valores de 11 a 31.2 mm. Se encontró que la posición central en lateral e inferior en AP no presentó fallo. Conclusiones: Se encontraron 27 pacientes con complicaciones (29%). La estabilidad inicial es un factor determinante, se recomienda fijación con CCM en los casos de fracturas inestables. Se confirmó la validez de un TAI > 25 mm como un predictor de fallo.

Abstract: Pertrochanteric fractures account approximately a half of the proximal femoral fractures. Incidence of these fractures is highest in women, age > 65 years and presents a mortality rate of 14 to 50%. Treatment goals include stable fixation, immediate mobilization and restore activities. Complications after treatment present in 17% and include: nonunion, cut out and varus displacement. Objective: Correlation between complications after surgical treatment and presence of instability, inadequate reduction, Tip Apex Index (TAI) > 25 mm, Tip Apex Index to calcar (TAIcal) > 20 mm and parker index. Material and methods: A case control study was conducted in patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated between January 2009 and December 2014, 91 patients were included and complications were measured up to 6 months after surgery. Results: 27 patients were included in group 1, which were the ones who presented complications. Values of TAI measured in this group were 13.7 to 45 mm, and were significantly higher than group 2. Position of the blade/screw central in the lateral view and inferior in the AP view didn´t present complications. Conclusions: We found 27 patients with complications in the follow up (29%). Initial reduction and stability is determinant to success. We recommend the use of proximal femoral nail in all unstable fractures. It is confirmed that TAI > 25 mm as a predictor of failure.

The long and short of cephalomedullary nails in the treatment of osteoporotic pertrochanteric fracture

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Pertrochanteric fractures after low-energy trauma are common among osteoporotic patients. Although the use of intramedullary devices to treat such fractures is becoming increasingly popular, there is a paucity of data comparing the outcomes of the use of short cephalomedullary nails (SCN) with the use of long cephalomedullary nails (LCN). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of treatment using LCN with treatment using SCN for patients with osteoporotic pertrochanteric fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective review of 64 patients with osteoporotic pertrochanteric fractures who were treated with either LCN or SCN and had a minimum follow-up of one year was performed. Primary outcome measures include complications, revision surgeries and union rates. Secondary outcome measures include duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and ambulatory and mortality status at one year.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in the clinical and functional outcomes of the patients who were treated with LCN and those who were treated with SCN. However, there was a higher incidence of heterotopic ossification in the latter group, and a slightly greater average estimated blood loss and duration of surgery in the former group. Patients treated with LCN tended to be more osteoporotic.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study found no significant difference in terms of complications, revision surgeries, union rates and ambulatory status between the patients who were treated with LCN and those who were treated with SCN. Both LCN and SCN provided safe and reliable outcomes in the treatment of osteoporotic pertrochanteric fractures.</p>

Decúbito lateral para tratamento das fraturas pertrocantéricas com hastes cefalomedulares / Lateral decubitus for treating pertrochanteric fractures using cephalomedullary nails

Fazer uma avaliação radiográfica retrospectiva da redução e posição do implante na cabeça femoral em pacientes com fraturas pertrocantéricas tratados com haste cefalomedular em decúbito lateral e fatores que possam interferir na qualidade da redução da fratura e posição do implante no uso dessa técnica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 19 pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura pertrocantérica do fêmur tratados com haste cefalomedular em decúbito lateral. Para avaliação radiográfica ambulatorial usamos as incidências anteroposterior da pelve e o perfil do lado afetado. Aferimos o ângulo cervicodiafisário, o TAD, a posição espacial do elemento cefáfilo em relação à cabeça e o diâmetro biespinhal. Para avaliação antropométrica usamos índice de massa corporal. Foram criados dois grupos de pacientes, um com todos os critérios normais (TAD < 25 mm, ângulo cervicodiafisário entre 130° e 135° e a posição do implante cefálico na cabeça femoral no quadrante central-central) e outro com alteração em algum dos critérios de melhor prognóstico. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (57,9%), com idade média de 60 anos. Sete pacientes ficaram com a posição do implante cefálico na posição central-central, um apresentou ângulo cervicodiafisário > 135° e o TAD máximo foi de 32 mm. Consequentemente, 12 pacientes apresentaram algum dos critérios alterados (63,2%). Nenhuma das características avaliadas diferiu ou mostrou associação estatisticamente significativa entre pacientes com todos os critérios normais e algum critério alterado (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A técnica descrita permite uma boa redução e um bom posicionamento do implante, independentemente dos índices antropométricos e do tipo de fratura.

To perform a retrospective radiographic evaluation on the fracture reduction and implant position in the femoral head among patients with pertrochanteric fractures who had been treated using a cephalomedullary nail in lateral decubitus; and to assess factors that might interfere with the quality of the fracture reduction and with the implant position in using this technique. METHODS: Nineteen patients with a diagnosis of pertrochanteric fractures of the femur who had been treated using cephalomedullary nails in lateral decubitus were evaluated. For outpatient radiographic evaluations, we used the anteroposterior view of the pelvis and lateral view of the side affected. We measured the cervicodiaphyseal angle, tip-apex distance (TAD), spatial position of the cephalic element in relation to the head, and the bispinal diameter. To make an anthropometric assessment, we used the body mass index. Two groups of patients were created: one in which all the criteria were normal (TAD ≤25 mm, cervicodiaphyseal angle between 130° and 135° and cephalic implant position in the femoral head in the central-central quadrant); and another group presenting alterations in some of the criteria for best prognosis. RESULTS: Female patients predominated (57.9%) and the mean age was 60 years. Seven patients presented a central-central cephalic implant position. One patient present a cervicodiaphyseal angle >135° and the maximum TAD was 32 mm; consequently, 12 patients presented some altered criteria (63.2%). None of the characteristics evaluated differed between the patients with all their criteria normal and those with some altered criteria, or showed any statistically significant association among them ( p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The technique described here enabled good reduction and good positioning of the implant, independent of the anthropometric indices and type of fracture.

Comparison of Postoperative Bleeding and Complications between Cemented and Non-cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Treatment of Unstable Pertrochanteric Fracture / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: In cases of patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPHA) for treatment of a pertrochanteric fracture, we compared and analyzed the amount of blood loss and complications between a group using the cemented stem and a group using the cementless stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients who underwent BPHA for treatment of a pertrochanteric fracture in our hospital for three years and 10 months (From January 2008 to October 2011) were included in this study. Among the 104 patients, 64 patients with a cemented stem were categorized into group 1, and the other 40 patients with an uncemented stem were categorized into group 2. Before surgery, the type of stem was determined by the bone quality of the proximal femur, which had been evaluated with a simple X-ray. Then, after surgery, the amount of blood loss and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Expected blood loss during the operation was 389.8 cc in group 1, and 395.3 cc in group 2(P=0.88). Postoperatively, average drained blood loss was 219.6 cc in group 1, and 338.1 cc in group 2. Cemented stem was associated with significantly less blood loss (P=0.004). The average operation time in group 1 and in group 2 was 96 minutes and 72 minutes. There was no significant difference in operating time (P=0.85). In addition, there was no difference in INR (International Normalized Ratio) and BMI (Body Mass Index) (P=0.28 and 0.08) regarding total amount of postoperatively drained blood loss. There was no occurrence of hypotensive shock or fatal pulmonary embolism in either group. Three cases of periprosthetic fracture occurred in group 2. CONCLUSION: Fewer occurrences of postoperative blood loss and fewer complications were observed in the cemented stem group than in the cementless stem group. Preoperative evaluation of bone quality and use of the cement stem for patients with poor bone quality may be a good treatment method that can help to reduce complications.

Treatment of Unstable Pertrochanteric Fractures with a Long Intramedullary Nail / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiographic results of treatment of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures in which the fracture line is extended distally or the width of the canal is wide using a long intramedullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to January 2010, we conducted an analysis of 20 cases of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures (over AO/OTA 31 A2.2) treated using a long intramedullary nailing and followed up for more than 12 months. Using postoperative and last follow-up radiographs, we measured TAD, Cleveland index, neck-shaft angle, sliding length of the lag screw, and union time. Clinically, we measured the operation time, the amount of transfusion, and Parker and Palmer's mobility score. RESULTS: The mean bony union time was 16.4 weeks(10-21 weeks). The mean sliding length of the lag screw was 4.3 mm(1-10 mm) and the mean varus angulation after surgery was 5.1degrees(3-8degrees). The mean operative time was 118 min(60-140 min), and the mean transfusion amount was 2.0 pint(0-4 pint). According to Parker and Palmer's mobility score, mean preoperative score was 7.5 points and mean postoperative score at last follow-up was 6.9 points. CONCLUSION: In treatment of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures, when the fracture line was extended to below the lesser trochanteric level or the medullary canal width was wide, use of a long intramedullary nail showed excellent clinical and radiologic results and can be regarded as a good treatment option.

Effect of the treatment of proximal femoral nail antirotation in pertrochanteric hip fractures with unstable lateral-wall / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the treatment of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in pertrochanteric hip fractures with unstable lateral-wall.Methods Thirty-two cases were included from the April 2009 to May 2011.Recorded operation period,blood loss volume,and complications and evaluated the effect of the methods.Arrange referral at 6 weeks,3 months,6 months,12 months respectively after operation,to check limb function and conventional camera hips,lateral X-ray film.Postoperative functional evaluation using the Harris hip score.Measure the last follow-up neck shaft angle and compare with postoperative's.Results The average operation period was (60-190) min,average was (80 ± 5) min ; blood loss volume was (90-250)ml,average was (120 ± 9) ml ; Average hospital periods was (15 ± 7) days; weight loading time was (6.3 ± 1.2)weeks after surgery and average time of union of fracture was 3.6 months.All patients obtained union of fracture without complications such as varus,internal fixation cutting out.Conclusion PFNA was proved to be an effective way for treating unstable lateral-wall of pertrochanteric hip fractures due to its advantages of stable fixation,minor trauma,less complications.

The Proximal Femoral Nail - A Minimal Invasive Treatment for the Stabilization of Pertrochanteric and Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures.

This study reports the outcome in pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures in 25 patients treated by using PFN. Salvati and Wilson hip function scoring system and Kyle's criteria were used for follow up evaluation. At the end of 24 weeks follow up the Salvati and Wilson hip function was 32 (out of 40) in 88% of patients, the Kyle's criteria described the outcome as good or very good in 92% of patients and the level of function was similar to pre-injury level in 90% of patients. Distal locking difficulty was encountered in 3 cases. Difficulty in placement of neck screw was encountered in 4 cases. Secondary varus was noted in 3 cases and in 1 patient antirotational screw cut through was seen.However all fractures united well in all the patients.PFN was designed by AO/ASIF in 1996 for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures.It combines the intrinsic advantages of the intramedullary nail and those of sliding screw is a valid and an important option in the treatment of pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures. It is a relatively easy procedure, a bio mechanically stable construct and a minimally invasive device; especially ideal in compromised elderly patients who are the majority population suffering from these type of fractures.With incorporation of single helical blade in place of two proximal screws in PFN, AO/ASIF has further enhanced the treatment modalities by devising PFNA (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation).

Additional Fixations for Sliding Hip Screws in Treating Unstable Pertrochanteric Femoral Fractures (AO Type 31-A2): Short-Term Clinical Results

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utility of additional fixation methods and to suggest a method of reduction in the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on thirty patients with unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures, who were operated on with a SHS between September 2004 and September 2009 and were followed up for at least 6 months. The additional fixation devices were as follows; antirotation screw (21 cases), fixation of displaced fractures of the posteromedial bone fragment (cerclage wiring, 21 cases and screw, 2 cases) and trochanter stabilizing plate (27 cases). Clinically, the Palmer's mobility score and Jensen's social function group were used. Radiologically, alignment and displacement were observed. The tip-apex distance (TAD) and sliding of the lag screw were measured, and the position of the lag screw within the femoral head was also examined. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of surgery was 76 years (range, 56 to 89 years) and the average follow-up period was 25 months (range, 6 to 48 months). At the last follow-up, the average mobility and social function score was 6.2 (+/- 3.5) and 2.3 (+/- 1.5). Postoperatively, the alignment and displacement indices were adequate in almost all the cases. The mean amount of lag screw sliding and the mean TAD was 5.1 mm (range, 2 to 16 mm) and 6 mm (range, 3 to 11 mm) respectively. The lag screws were located in the center-center zone in 21 cases. The average period to union was 18.7 weeks without any cases of nonunion or malunion. Mechanical failure was noted in one case with breakage of the lag screw and clinical failure was noted in another case with persistent hip pain related to excessive sliding (16 mm). CONCLUSIONS: With additional fixations, the unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures could be well stabilized by SHS until bone union.

Results of the Proximal Femoral Nail-Antirotation (PFNA) in Patients with an Unstable Pertrochanteric Fracture

PURPOSE: This study was performed to review the results of PFNA (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation) for treating unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven out of 187 hips treated from September 2006 to March 2010 with PFNA for unstable femoral pertrochanteric fractures were enrolled in this study. The mean duration to radiologic bone union, the functional status and the complications were assessed. The Cleveland index, the tip apex distance, the sliding distance of the blade and the change in the neck-shaft angle were also measured. RESULTS: The mean duration to radiologic bone union was 15.8 weeks and 66% of the patients recovered to a premorbid functional status. The average amount of blade sliding was 5.5 mm and the mean change of the neck-shaft angle was varus 4.4degrees. There were 2 cases of penetration of the blade tip, 2 cases of impending penetration, one case of posttraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head and 2 cases of lateral wall fractures. CONCLUSION: PFNA would be preferable for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in terms of the short operation time, the rapid ambulatory recovery and the reduced complications. Yet careful handling is required to avoid a grave complication such as head penetration.

Complications of Femoral Pertrochanteric Fractures Treated with Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN)

PURPOSE: We analyzed the complications of femoral pertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN®) to reduce the its complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the complications among 198 patients who were treated with PFN® from June 2001 to August 2005 in our hospital. RESULTS: The complications were presented in 28 cases (14.1%). Cut-out of lag screw was in 1 case, cut-out of lag screw and antirotation screw were in 3 cases, cut-out of antirotation screw in 3 cases, of these femoral head fracture was in 1 case. Femoral neck fracture in 1 case, Osteonecrosis of femoral head in 1 case, cortical fracture during the insertion of distal interlocking screw in 1 case, breakage of drill bit intraoperatively in 1 case, fibrous union in 2 case, thigh skin irritation due to screw back-out in 3 cases, periprosthetic fractures in 2 cases, varus collapse more than 10 degrees in 4 cases, superficial and deep infections in 3 cases, breakage of nail in 1 case, varus collapse after PFN removal in 1 case, persistent thigh pain in 1 case. Of all these cases, 9 cases (4.5%) were required reoperation with general or spinal anesthesia. Complications related with screws or fracture reduction were 19 cases (9.6%) and, of these, 17 cases (89.5%) showed increased TAD (tip apex distance) or nonanatomical reduction. CONCLUSION: To reduce the complications of PFN®, we need to exact surgical technique and anatomical reduction and consider the modification of implant design to prevent of cut-out of screws.

Anatomical plate for the unstable pertrochanteric femoral fracture / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To analyze the clinical effect of the unstable pertrochanteric femoral fracture treated with anatomical plate.[Method]To prospectively compare anatomical plate with dynamic hip screw(DHS) in terms of treatment of the unstable pertrochanteric femoral fracture in elderly.Fifty-eight elderly patients with unstable pertrochanteric femoral fracture who were treated from June 2003 to May 2007 and followed up for 9-24 months were randomized into two treatment groups,ie,anatomical plate internal fixation(group I) and dynamic hip screw internal fixation(group II).Of all,32 patients were treated with anatomical plate internal fixation and 26 with DHS internal fixation.The treatment groups were comparable with regard to all demographic and injury variables.[Result]Patients treated with anatomical plate internal fixation had shorter operative times,fewer blood loss and blood transfusion,and higher Harris scores,there were significant differences in the two groups.The incidence rate of early postoperative complication was 9.38% in group I and 11.54% in group Ⅱ.The incidence rate of late postoperative complication was 9.38% in group Ⅰ and 30.78% in group Ⅱ.There were significant differences in late postoperative complication and no significant differences in early postoperative complication between the two groups.[Conclusion]The unstable pertrochanteric femoral fracture treated with anatomical plate could achieve excellent clinical results.

Minimally Invasive Dynamic Hip Screw for stable Pertrochanteric Fracture

Purpose: To report the surgical skills needed, and the clinical results of, minimally invasive hip surgery with dynamic hip screws and the comparison with the classical technique in stable pertrochanteric fractures of the femur. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with pertrochanteric fractures of the femur who were treated with dynamic compression hip screws between April 1999 and March 2004, and were evaluated retrospectively, and were followed up for more than 12 months. 16 cases were treated with a classical dynamic hip screw technique and 16 cases with a minimally invasive technique in random order. The mean age was 73.2 years, and there were 11 males and 21 females. The operative times, total hemovac bleeding loss, functional scores, and average hemoglobin decrease ratios were evaluated. The clinical assessments were performed with the Harris Hip Score (HSS) and bony union was evaluated with serial follow-up plain radiographs. Results: The average operative time was 63.9 minutes with the classical technique and 42.5 minutes with the minimally invasive technique. The total average hemovac blood loss was 640 cc with the classical technique and 143 cc with the minimally invasive technique. Clinically, the HHS was an average of 85.9 and 89.2 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, by the last follow-up and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05) The hemoglobin decrease ratio was the same in both groups and there was no nonunion. Conclusion: Minimally invasive dynamic hip screw insertion was useful in stable pertrochanteric fractures, because it decreased blood loss and operative times; and there were no changes in fracture healing and functional outcomes.

Fixation for Reattachment of Trochanteric Fragment in Pertrochanteric Fracture Treated with Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the fixation methods for reattaching a trochanteric fragment in a pertrochanteric fracture treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Materials and methods: Forty cases of an unstable femur pertrochanteric fracture were analyzed and followed up for average of 19(6~40) months. There were 18 cases fixed with tension band wiring (group 1), 7 cases treated using modified tension band wiring with K-wires (group 2) and 15 cases treated with the GTRD (Greater Trochanteric Reattachment Device) (group 3). Result: Group 1 was treated with simple a surgical procedure and the results were good. The second group had firm fixation postoperatively but required additional surgery in two cases to remove the K-wires because of wire migration after ambulation. Group 3 had relatively good results but required more dissection and a longer operating time. Conclusion: Tension band wiring or GTRD are good fixation methods for reattaching trochanteric fragments in pertrochanteric fractures. Moreover, tension band wiring is recommended for old osteoporotic patients due to a simple procedure and firm fixation. The use of modified tension band wiring using K-wire or a Steinmann-pin should not be used due to the possibility of distant migration.

Efficiency of internal fixation on the treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures / 医学研究生学报

Objective: To observe the effects of different internal fixations on the treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures. Methods: 158 cases of pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with different internal fixations, including anatomic steel, Gamma nail and dynamic hip screw, from January 1999 to October 2004, combined with functional exercise, were summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of different fixations were evaluated. Results: All of 158 cases were followed up for 6 to 36 months with a mean of 14 months. The rate of excellent or good in all patients was 94.61% by Harris criterion and 17 cases have surgical complications (10.18%). The complication rates of the three types of treatment had no difference. Conclusion: Anatomic steel, Gamma nail and dynamic hip screw are all ideal and reliable internal fixation material for pertrochanteric hip fractures as long as they are selected properly before operation.

Complications in Patients with Pertrochanteric Fractures Treated with a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We analysed perioperative and postoperative complications in a series of patients who had a pertrochanteric fracture which had been treated by using a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done on 44 patients who were available for follow-up over one year period. The Clinical analysis included their walking ability, buttock pain, thigh pain, and their leg length discrepancy. The correlation between radiological parameters and the incidence of complications was analysed. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 26 months. The presence of buttock pain, thigh pain, a diminution of walking ability and a limb shortening were common findings. The amount of typical complications from a classic gamma nail in the pertrochanteric fractures of the femur were very low, but complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head or a refracture after removal of the nail occurred in patients who had been treated by a Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail. The radiological parameters did not statistically correlate with the incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: There was mismatch of Gamma Asia-Pacific Locking Nail with Korean femorae. We recommend that a precise operative technique is essential and a modification of the nail must be made.