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Intertrochanteric femoral fracture occurs frequently in elderly osteoporotic patients, with high disability and mortality, for which surgical treatment is necessary. Common surgical modalities for intertrochanteric femoral fracture include intramedullary and extramedullary internal fixation systems, but neither can avoid the complications like internal fixation cut-out or internal fixation cut-through of the femoral head after surgery. The tip-apex distance theory was once considered to be of great significance in avoiding internal fixation cut-out, with the mainstream view was that screw cut-out could be avoided to the maximum extent when the tip-apex distance was ≤25 mm. However, internal fixation that meets the criteria of the tip-apex distance theory may also show cut-out and "Z-effect" in clinical practice, which lacks a reasonable explanation. Based on the lever balance reconstruction theory and the buttress-stretch effect, the author re-understands the value of the tip-apex distance theory in guiding treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fracture, hoping to propose an enlightenment for the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fracture.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of the screw blade position on the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Methods: A clinical data of 131 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were treated with PFNA internal fixation between January 2010 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. According to the anteroposterior X-ray films, the screw blades were placed in the middle of the femoral neck in 72 patients (group A) and at one-third of the femoral neck in 59 patients (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the gender, age, bone density, classification of fractures, other medical diseases, and the time between injury and operation. Multiple treatment indexes were analyzed, including complications, hip Harris score, the healing status of fracture, tip-apex distance (TAD), and the height of the tail nail. Results: All patients were followed up 11-14 months, with an average of 12.1 months. All incisions healed by first intention with no complications. All fractures healed and no significant difference in bone healing time between the two groups ( Z=-0.190, P=0.849). At 6 months after operation, TAD was (2.23±0.07) cm in group A and (2.85±0.12) cm in group B, showing significant difference ( t=-47.643, P=0.000); and the height of the tail nail was (1.72±0.14) cm in group A and (0.53±0.26) cm in group B, showing significant difference ( t=31.031, P=0.000). According to the Harris score, the hip functions were rated as excellent in 48 cases, good in 15 cases, and poor in 9 cases in group A, while as excellent in 38 cases, good in 16 cases, and poor in 5 cases in group B, with no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-0.075, P=0.941). Conclusion: For the unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly, the PFNA internal fixation with appropriated TAD and the screw blades placed in the middle or at one-third of the femoral neck can obtain good effectiveness.
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Objective: To compare the predictive value of the two concepts for complications by comparing the incidences of surgical complications associated with different tip-apex distance (TAD) and calcar referenced tip-apex distance (Cal-TAD) in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures with Asian type proximal femoral nail (APFN) fixation. Methods: A total of 188 cases of femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with APFN fixation between January 2014 and December 2018 were collected according to inclusion criteria. TAD and Cal-TAD were measured on the X-ray film at immediate after operation; the patients were divided into two groups according to the measurement results: 0.05). During the follow-up, 6 patients (5.04%) with TAD<25 mm, 10 patients (14.49%) with TAD≥25 mm had complications, and 1 patient (0.70%) with Cal-TAD<25 mm and 15 patients (32.61%) with Cal-TAD≥25 mm had complications. There were significant differences in the incidence of complication between the patients with different TAD, between the patients with different Cal-TAD, and between patients with TAD<25 mm and Cal-TAD<25 mm ( P<0.05). Conclusion: In the operation of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with APFN fixation, surgical complications can be significantly reduced when TAD or Cal-TAD was controlled within 25 mm, Cal-TAD is more significant in the prediction of postoperative complications.
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BACKGROUND: The proximal femur anti-rotation intramedullary nail is an ideal internal fixation method for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, but there is still a 6% to 21% failure rate of internal fixation. Tip-apex distance is considered as an important cause of postoperative proximal femur anti-rotation intramedullary nail failure. Tip-apex distance is the sum of the distance from the tip of lag screw to the vertex of femoral head measured on anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films. Most scholars now believe that the tip-apex distance of head pulp nail ≤ 25 mm has a good prognosis, but there is still a lot of controversy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical differences of the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures by proximal femoral anti-rotation intramedullary nail with different tip-apex distances and provide a new idea and experimental basis for the clinical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: CT data of one volunteer were imported into Mimics 19.0 and Geomagic studio 2017 software to extract and optimize the three-dimensional model of the right femur. SolidWorks 2017 software was used to draw the internal fixation model and assemble it with the AO2.1 type fracture femur model in different tip-apex distance according to the standard operation technology. Totally four models with tip-apex distance of 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm were obtained and imported into HyperMesh 14.0 software to mesh. The four models were imported into Abaqus 2016 software in inp format to set up with material property parameters, boundary conditions and applied loads. Finally, operation results were viewed in the visualization module. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) When tip-apex distance was too large (30 mm) or too small (15 mm), the stress at the proximal femur was reduced, but the displacement of the femur head and neck fragment and the lesser trochanter fragment was larger and the inversion was more serious. When tip-apex distance was in the middle (20, 25 mm), the displacement and varus of femoral head and neck fragment were small, and the lesser trochanteric fragment was basically unshifted. (2) In the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures, tip-apex distance should be adjusted to 20-25 mm to reduce displacement and obtain a better biomechanical effect.
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Objective: To investigate the association between the tip apex distance (TAD) and migration of helical blade in the femoral head of geriatric intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: A retrospective study of intertrochanteric fractures treated with the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) between June 2015 and June 2018 was performed. There were 32 males and 55 females with an average age of 84.7 years (range, 80-101 years). All of them were unilateral fresh closed intertrochanteric fractures caused by low energy injury. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, 33 cases belonged to type 31-A1, 35 cases to type 31-A2, and 19 cases to type 31-A3. The time interval from injury to operation was 1-16 days (mean, 3.7 days). The TAD was measured according to immediate postoperative X-ray films. The cases were divided into two groups: group A with TAD less than 20 mm and group B with TAD greater than 20 mm. The difference of fracture healing and migration of helical blade between the two groups were observed. Results: According to the TAD value immediately after operation, 49 patients in group A had TAD of 8.9-19.7 mm, with an average of 18.6 mm; 38 patients in group B had TAD of 20.1-41.4 mm, with an average of 27.7 mm. The 87 patients were followed up for an average of 11.7 months, ranging from 4 to 28 months. Three cases (all in group B) underwent screw blade cutting and displacement, which resulted in internal fixation failure, including 1 case with femoral head cut upward and 2 cases with femoral head penetrated inward. The remaining 84 cases had bone healing without internal fixation related complications such as fracture of internal fixator and fracture of femoral shaft. There was significant difference in the incidence of internal fixation failure between group A and group B ( P=0.049). Conclusion: Reducing the TAD value of helical blade appropriately (15-20 mm) in PFNA internal fixation for intertrochanteric fracture patients over 80 years old can increase initial stability without increasing the risk of helical blade migration.
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PURPOSE: Internal fixation using compression hip screws (CHS) and traction tables placing patients in the supine position is a gold standard option for treating intertrochanteric fractures; however, at our institution, we approach this treatment with patients in a lateral decubitus position. Here, the results of 100 consecutive elderly (i.e., ≥45 years of age) patients who underwent internal fixation with CHS in lateral decubitus position are analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and May 2011, 100 consecutive elderly patients who underwent internal fixation with CHS for femoral intertrochanteric fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes (i.e., Koval score, Harris hip score [HHS]) and radiographic outcomes (i.e., bone union time, amount of sliding of lag screw, tip-apex distance [TAD]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinical assessments revealed that the average postoperative Koval score decreased from 1.4 to 2.6 (range, 0–5; P < 0.05); HHS was 85 (range, 72–90); and mean bone union time was 5.0 (range, 2.0–8.2) months. Radiographic assessments revealed that anteroposterior average TAD was 6.95 (range, 1.27–14.63) mm; lateral average TAD was 7.26 (range, 1.20–18.43) mm; total average TAD was 14.21 (range, 2.47–28.66) mm; average lag screw sliding was 4.63 (range, 0–44.81) mm; and average angulation was varus 0.72°(range, −7.6°−12.7°). There were no cases of screw tip migration or nonunion, however, there were four cases of excessive screw sliding and six cases of varus angulation at more than 5° CONCLUSION: CHS fixation in lateral decubitus position provides favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. This technique is advisable for regular CHS fixation of intertrochanteric fractures.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Hip Fractures , Hip , Retrospective Studies , Supine Position , TractionABSTRACT
Introduction: Application of dynamic hip screw (DHS) implant for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures continues to raise concern related to risk of lag screw cut-out with or without subsequent damage to the acetabulum. Measurement of tip-apex distances (TAD) has been recommended to guide the optimal placement of lag screw and to predict subsequent risk of screw cut-out. In this study, the value of TAD was evaluated to verify its usefulness. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 33 consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated with DHS. Demographic data of the patients were traced from their case notes. Post-operative radiographs were reviewed by focusing on measurement of TAD on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Radiographs at one year follow-up were reviewed to depict any fixation-related failure or complication. Results: Fifty two percent of patients did not achieved the recommended TAD of ≤ 25mm. The mean post-operative TAD was 25.9mm and elderly patients were likely to achieve TAD of ≤ 25mm. The overall complication rate of 6% was attributed to screw cut-out in two cases. The unstable left-sided fracture was identified to be a potential risk for screw cut-out or migration. Conclusion: TAD is a valuable measurement to guide optimal placement of lag screw during DHS fixation of intertrochanteric fracture.
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Intertrochanteric fracture,a common kind of injury in orthopaedic surgery,often requires surgical intervention,especially the unstable ones.Since far back in 1995,Baumgaertner et al.recommended using the distance between the screw tip and femoral head apex (tip-apex distance,TAD) as a predictor of the risk of lag screw cutout,the importance of TAD has been recognized by orthopaedic surgeons.This concept has been widely accepted in practice,and even used as a standard in determining the helical blade position.It is not clear,however,whether the helical blade system is equal to lag screws in terms of TAD.After the limitations of TAD had been reported,Kuzyk et al.proposed a tip-apex distance referenced from the calcar (Cal-TAD) as a predictor of lag screw cutout to improve the concept further.In this article,these concepts and the latest clinical applications of TAD and Cal-TAD are reviewed based on the publications available.
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PURPOSE: The tip-apex distance (TAD) is used to predict the clinical outcome of intertrochanteric fracture fixation. We aimed to measure the changes in TAD by position and film distance using Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a femur replica with a 10degrees femoral neck anteversion and a 130degrees neck shaft angle. Proximal femoral nail antirotation nail and a helical blade were inserted into the replica. Radiographs were taken at the neutral position and after applying 10degrees, 20degrees, 30degrees, 40degrees internal/external rotation, 10degrees abduction, and 10degrees and 40degrees adduction to the mechanical axis. Radiographs were taken at the replica-film distance of 10 cm and 20 cm under the same conditions, mimicking the differences in Focus-film distance (FFD), which reflect the patient's contour in clinical settings. A radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon measured the TAD twice using PACS. The average error was 2 mm (4.5%) and the standard error was +/-3.04. TADs in the neutral position constituted the standard values to measure the relative errors. RESULTS: TADs increased with an increase in the external rotation and abduction of the replica. TADs decreased with an increase in the internal rotation and adduction of the replica. For comparable measurements, relative errors were higher at FFDs of 20 cm compared to FFDs of 10 cm. CONCLUSION: Since the femur is internally rotated and adducted for reduction, orthopedic surgeons would assess the lag screw to be closer to the apex of femur on intraoperative radiographs. To have a correct measurement of the TAD after fixation of intertrochanteric fractures, radiographs should be taken in neutral position and measurement errors should be considered based on the patient's size.
Subject(s)
Axis, Cervical Vertebra , Femur , Femur Neck , Fracture Fixation , Hip Fractures , Neck , OrthopedicsABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess the rate of screw cut out in elderly patients treated with the dynamic hip screw and the relationship to the Tip Apex Distance (TAD). This is a retrospective radiological evaluation of 100 cases of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated with dynamic hip screw fixation surgically treated between 1998 and 2002. The incidence of screw cut out was assessed and correlation of risk of cut out with the TAD was assessed. The rate of screw cut out was 9.0% and the average length of time to screw cut out was 3.8 months (range, 1 to 6 months) postoperatively. The incidence of screw cut out increased significantly when the TAD was 20 mm or more. The screw cut out rates were 2.9%, 20.0%, 30.8%, 50% and 100% for TAD of 20-24 mm, 25-29 mm, 30-34 mm, 35-44 mm and > 45 mm respectively. Overall, a TAD of 20mm or more was associated with a statistically significant screw cut out risk in this Malaysian population.
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[Objective]To evaluate the reliability of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA) in treatment of intertrochanteric fracture using K-wire apex distance(KAD) intraoperatively to control tip apex distance(TAD).[Method]From January 2007 to January 2009,44 cases of intertrochanteric fractures were treated by closed reduction internal fixation with PFNA.Intra-operative KAD and post-operative TAD were measured and analyzed for their correlation.[Result]Follow-up was given to 42 patients for 6-18 months(averaged,10 months).Bone union was achieved after 11-23 weeks(averaged,13 weeks).Intra-operative KAD were 13-31 mm,with an average of 21.75 mm.Post-operative TAD were 18-35 mm,with an average of 24.61 mm.Recurrence of cerebral infarction was found in 1 case.No infection,deep vein thrombosis,intramedullary nailing rupture,screw broken or femoral fracture was found.[Conclusion]With the help of intra-operative fluoroscopy,the distance from the end of Kirschner's wire to joint surface(KAD) plays an important role in controlling TAD,and it could prevent relative complications such as helical blade cutting-out of femoral head.
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Objective To illustrate the application of fluoronavigation in Gamma nailing—a common surgical procedure in treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur and to compare the newly designed Gamma-3 system for navigation with the Gamma-AP system. Methods 66 patients with intertrochanteric fractures underwent Gamma nailing (40 Gamma-AP and 26 Gamma-3) under fluoronavigation guidance. An observer recorded the different intra-operative parameters. Results The Gamma-3 group showed superior results of shorter operation time (averaging 32 minutes), smaller surgical wound size (5cm), less X-ray requirement during procedure (7 times) and at the same time better lag screw position (Tip-Apex-Distance 17.9 mm). Conclusions Fluoronavigation can facilitate gamma nailing as a minimally invasive surgery because of its accurate guidance to nail insertion and lag screw positioning, a smaller surgical wound and minimized X-ray exposure suffered by operation theater staff. The Gamma-3 system has shown better results than the Gamma-AP system because of its navigation-specific design.
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Objective To confirm the association between the“Tip-Apex Distance (TAD)”and cut-out of the lag screw from the femoral head.and to analyze other factors leading to the cut-out.Methods The complete radiographic and clinical data of 106 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were available for this study. They were 65 men and 41 women,with an average age of 52.4 years (range,20 to 83 years).According to Evans classification.19 cases belonged to typeⅡ.25 to typeⅢ,32 to typeⅣ,29 to typeⅤ,and one to type R.The bone quality was classified by Singh rating system:44 cases were rated as typeⅥ.34 as typeⅤ,23 as typeⅣand five as typeⅢ.They were treated with open reduction and fixation with 135?dynamic hip screw (DHS).According to the finding of Baumgaertner that“TAD”beyond 25 mm would grcatly increase the risk of cut-out,the patients could be divided into two groups:59 cases with“TAD”less than 25 mm and 47 greater than 25 mm.Results The mean duration of follow-ups was 14.45 months (range,4.5 to 28.0 months).Of the 15 cases whose“TAD”was more than 30 mm,one had the cut-out.Of the seven cases whose“TAD”was more than 40 mm,two had the cut-out (P=0.000). The average age of the three patients was 78.7 years (range:75 to 83 years) and 27.1 years older than that of the 103 patients whose fracture healed (P=0.000).They belonged to the unstable intertrochanteric fracture of the femur (two to Evans type V and one to type R).The reduction was assessed as excellent in 43 cases,good in 47 cases,fair in nine cases (of whom one had the cut-out),poor in seven cases (of whom two had the cut-out). Conclusions The cut-out of the lag screw from the femoral head can be caused by age,fracture type and stability of reduction and“TAD”.The greater the“TAD”value,the greater possibility of cut-out.
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Failure of fixation of intertrochanteric fractures that have been treated with a fixed-angle sliding hip-screw device is frequently related to the position of the lag screw in the femoral head. The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of the tip-apex distance and to demonstrate its clinical usefulness as a predictor of cutout of the screw used for fixation of the intertrochanteric fractures of the hip. The tip-apex distance is the sum of the distance from the tip of the lag screw to the apex of femoral head on an anteroposterior radiograph and this distance on a lateral radiograph after controlling for magnification. To determine the value of tip-apex distance in the prediction of cutout of the lag screw, 67 intertrochanteric fractures that have been treated with a fixed-angle sliding hip screw device were studied. The minimum duration of follow-up was three months during which period all of the fractures either healed or had failure of the fixation. The average tip-apex distance was 21mm (range,22.8-65.8mm) for the successfully treated fractures compared with 35mm (range,8.4-65.8mm) for those in which the screw cutout. There was strong statistical relationship between an increasing tip-apex distance and the rate of cutout. An unstable fracture, a poor reduction were also associated with a significantly increased risk of failure due to cutout.