Unstable trochanteric Fracture Fixation with P.F.N. augmented by T.B.W.

For inter trochanteric fracture Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) is a better choice of implant biomechanically. But in communicated inter trochanteric fractures it is associated with screw breakage, cut out through femoral head, ”Z” & reverse “Z” effect and lateral migration of screws. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of PFN in terms of post-operative complication and failure rates in unstable trochanteric fracture with addition of 1 or 2 tension band wires. Material & Method:We did study of 21 unstable trochanteric fractures from January 2016 to November .2020. 14 patients were males & 7 patients were females. Age group between 25 to 80 was included in this group. There were 15 A0 A2 (2.2, 2.3) and 6 were A0 A3 (3.1, 3.2, 3.3). All fractures were ?xed with 25cm, 0135PFN mainly 11 mm, 12mm in diameter with addition of one or two 16 gauge tension band wire, strengthening lateral trochanteric wall and holding either communiated fragments or lesser trochanteric fracture. Results:The fracture was united in all cases with mean period of 16 weeks. Two patients developed complication of TBW (Tension Band Wire) breakage; one developed lateral migration of screws. Patients were followed till bone was united. At the end of follow up hip function were 30 (out of 40) in 80% patients by using Salvati and Wilson hip score. Conclusion: The stabilization of lateral trochanteric wall fracture and communiated fragments of inter trochanteric fractures, additional one or two TBW increases the stability of construct enhancing bony union & better results.

Blunt Hohman-Lever Technique for Reduction of Intertrochanteric Fracture – A Surgical Technique

We present a 60 years old patient who presented to us with history of domestic fall and sustained injury to the right hip and was diagnosed with trochanteric fracture right side. As closed reduction was not acceptable and bone spike was not available in the set, we designed our own technique of using a bone lever introduced from the same incision from where reaming/nail insertion was done. To the best of our knowledge this technique has never been described before in english literature.Since our first case we have tried it in 6 other patients and without any issues

Risk Factors Associated with Failure of Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation in the Treatment of Trochanteric Hip Fractures

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary (IM) nailing is widely performed in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures. Thus, it is important to identify causative factors associated with fixation failure. We investigated fixation failures after IM nailing in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures and compared the failure group with nonfailure group to identify risk factors of fixation failure.METHODS: A total of 396 patients aged 65 years or older underwent IM nailing for trochanteric fractures between January 2012 and August 2016 at our institution. Of those, 194 patients who were followed up for more than 12 months were enrolled in this study; 202 patients were excluded due to death during follow-up, bedridden status before injury, and loss to follow-up. All patients underwent plain radiography and preoperative computed tomography (CT).RESULTS: Fixation failure occurred in 11 patients (5.7%). Seven patients had stable fractures (AO/OTA); eight patients had basicervical fractures (confirmed by CT). Five patients had comminution in the greater trochanter (confirmed by CT). Regarding fracture reduction, eight patients showed discontinuity in the anterior cortex. The position of the lag screw on the lateral view was in the center in six patients and in a posterior area in the other five patients. On the basis of comparison with the 183 patients without fixation failure, risk factors of fixation failure were higher body mass index (BMI; p = 0.003), basicervical type of fracture (p = 0.037), posterior placement of the lag screw on the lateral view (p < 0.001), and inaccurate reduction of the anterior cortex (p = 0.011).CONCLUSIONS: Among the risk factors of fixation failure after IM nailing in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures, discontinuity of the anterior cortex and posterior position of the lag screw are modifiable surgeon factors, whereas higher BMI and basicervical type of fracture are nonmodifiable patient factors. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid fixation failure in IM nailing for patients with a basicervical type of fracture or higher BMI or both.

Pantrochanteric Fracture: Incidence of the Complication in Patients with Trochanteric Fracture Treated with Dynamic Hip Screw in a Hospital of Southern Brazil / Fratura pantrocantérica: incidência da complicação em pacientes comfratura trocantérica tratados comparafuso dinâmico de quadril em um hospital do Sul do Brasil

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of pantrochanteric fractures in cases of trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic hip screw in our service. Methods A sample of 54 patients with trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic hip screws was included in this retrospective study. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated for fracture classification using the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, in German)/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) system for the identification of radiographic osteoporosis and for the measurement of the lateral femoral wall thickness. In the immediate postoperative images, the presence of pantrochanteric fracture was evaluated. Results The final sample presented an incidence of 16.7% of pantrochanteric fractures. The thickness of the lateral wall was significantly lower in the group with the complication (p < 0.001). Although fractures classified as 31-A2 were more numerous in the group with pantrochanteric fracture, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.456). Conclusion The percentage of pantrochanteric fractures in this service is in accordance with previous studies. There was an association between lateral femoral wall thickness and the occurrence of iatrogenic fracture of the lateral cortex. There was no significant difference between fracture classification and pantrochanteric fracture, possibly due to sample size.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a incidência de fraturas pantrocantéricas nos casos de fraturas trocantéricas tratadas com parafuso dinâmico de quadril em nosso serviço. Métodos Uma amostra de 54 pacientes comfraturas trocantéricas tratadas comparafuso dinâmico dequadril foi incluída neste estudo retrospectivo. Foramavaliadas radiografias précirúrgicas para classificação das fraturas com o sistema AO/OTA, identificação de osteoporose radiográfica emensuração da espessura da cortical lateral, enquanto nas imagens pósoperatórias imediatas foi avaliada a presença de fratura pantrocantérica. Resultados Aamostrafinal apresentou a incidência de 16,7%defraturaspantrocantéricas. A espessura da parede lateral foi significativamentemais baixa no grupo coma complicação (p < 0,001). Embora a incidência de fraturas classificadas como 31.A2 tenha sido maior no grupo com fratura pantrocantérica, a diferença não foi significativa (p = 0,456). Conclusão O percentual de fraturas pantrocantéricas nesse serviço encontra-se em acordo com trabalhos prévios. Houve associação entre espessura da cortical lateral e ocorrência de fratura iatrogênica da parede lateral. Não houve diferença significativa entre classificação das fraturas e fratura pantrocantérica, possivelmente devido ao tamanho da amostra.

Clinical Outcomes of U-blade Gamma3 Nails Used to Treat Patients with Trochanteric Fractures: Retrospective Multicenter Study / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the radiologic and clinical results of U-blade Gamma3 nail use for the treatment of trochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2015 and May 2018, all patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgery with U-blade Gamma3 nails were analyzed. A total of 129 patients were selected based on having at least six months of follow-up. Image evaluations included bone quality (T-score), fracture classification on plain radiograph (AO/OTA), computed tomography configuration, union period, position of lag screw, anatomical reduction, tip apex distance (TAD), sliding extent of lag screw, change of neck shaft angle, and complications leading to reoperations were analyzed. Functional outcome were assessed using the Koval grade (ambulatory ability) at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The mean time to union was 19.7 (range, 6–36) weeks. The screw position was centric (93 cases; 72.1%) and anatomical reduction was achieved in 74 cases (57.4%). The mean TAD was 20.3 (range, 12.3–38.1) mm. The mean sliding length of the lag screws was 3.8 (range, 0.1–12.6) mm. The mean change of neck shaft angle was 3.4° (range, 0–12.8°). Reoperations were required in two cases (1.6%) due to the cutting out of the lag screw (n=1) and metal failure with U-blade bending (n=1). Finally, Koval grades for 49.8% of patients reached preoperative status. CONCLUSION: Overall, use of the U-blade Gamma3 nail led to favorable clinical results, suggesting that this system may be a good option for the treatment of trochanteric fractures.

Failure of a Rotation Control Gamma 3 Lag Screw Used to Treat a Trochanteric Fracture / 대한고관절학회지

Gamma 3 rotation control lag screws (U-blade) are particularly useful when treating rotational and unstable fractures of the proximal femur. A 93-year-old woman who underwent closed reduction of a trochanteric fracture and internal fixation with a Gamma 3 nail rotation control lag screw. The patient presented with metal failure and U-blade bending following a fall occurring 4 weeks after surgery. Here, we present a case report summarizing removal of the failed lag screw.

The Determination of Optimal Entry Point for Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-II by Fluoroscopic Simulation: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE: This study seeks to determine the anatomically optimal entry point of proximal femoral nail antirotation-II (PFNA-II®) according to geographic features of Korean cadaveric femoral trochanters for successful reduction of osteoporotic proximal femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three adult cadaveric femurs without previous fractures or surgeries were included. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral images of all femurs and PFNA-II® were taken with an image intensifier. Using the image synthesis process via the image editing program (Adobe Photoshop CS6), the optimal entry point was verified and compared with the tip of the greater trochanter (GT) and the cervicotro-chanteric junction on AP images, as well as the width of the trochanter and the neck on lateral images. RESULTS: The optimal entry point of PFNA-II® was an average distance of 9.1 mm (range, 7–15 mm) medially from the tip of GT on AP images. The center of the nail was located at an average of 30% (range, 21%–44%) area from the posterior margin of the middle neck, which is an average area of 38% (range, 26%–48%) from the posterior cortex of the trochanter on lateral images. Furthermore, the ideal entry point was at the extended line of the cervico-trochanteric junction. CONCLUSION: The optimal entry point, which was found to be medial to the tip of the GT and posterior to the center of the middle femoral neck and the trochanter, was at on the extended line of the cervicotrochanteric junction.

Comparison of the Treatment Results between Reduction with Percutaneous Wiring and Reduction without Percutaneous Wiring in Reverse Oblique Trochanteric Fractures (AO Classification 31-A3.3)

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of percutaneous wiring in the reduction of reverse oblique trochanteric fractures (AO classification 31-A3.3) by analyzing the treatment results with or without the use of percutaneous wiring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five cases from January 2008 to August 2014 that could be followed-up for at least one year were selected among patients with unstable trochanteric fractures who underwent either internal fixation or open reduction. Seventeen patients underwent surgery with percutaneous wire fixation but another 18 patients underwent surgery without it. All patients received a closed reduction and internal fixation with an intramedullary nail. The factors evaluated were as follows: the length of operation, loss of blood, length of in-hospital stay, lower limb function scale, return to preinjury daily life, change in femur neck shaft angle, postoperative gap of the fracture site, time taken for bone attachment, quality of post-operative reduction, and complications. RESULTS: No significant difference in the mean operative time, loss of blood, length of in hospital stay, lower limb function scale, return to pre-injury daily life, change in femur neck shaft angle, postoperative gap of the fracture site, and quality of postoperative reduction was observed between the two groups. A significant difference was noted in the time taken for bone attachment (p=0.032). Bone attachment took 13.3 weeks (9–17 weeks) on average when fixed with percutaneous wiring and no patient was found to have any complications. When treated without percutaneous wiring, however, bone attachment took 17.8 weeks (12.5–28.0 weeks) on average and three cases resulted in delayed union. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous wiring is a recommended treatment option for patients with an unstable trochanteric fracture.

A Study of Management of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures and Basal Fractures of Neck of Femur in Elderly by Hemi-arthroplasty.

Background: Fractures of neck of femur are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly population. Intertrochanteric fractures in elderly people are usually comminuted and unstable because of osteoporosis. Unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality2 although the results have improved with the use of Bipolar Hemi-Arthroplasty. Methods: All the patients were selected from among the admissions in the Department of Orthopaedics, MNR Medical college and hospital, Mediciti institute of medical sciences, Archana hospital, Hyderabad, from june 2013 to 2015 May. Cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (Non modular bipolar hip prosthesis of OSIM) with or without greater and lesser trochanter fixation by tension band wiring was done. The follow up was carried out at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The results were evaluated using Harris Hip Score Rating. Results: The average age of patients in our series was 65 years with a range of 60 years to 75 years. Out of 70 patients 42 (60%) were female and 28 (40%) male. Left side is more commonly involved with 38 patients (54%) than right side (46%). The average duration of hospital stay was 10 days, with a range of 10-25 days. Out of 70 patients 35 (50%) had excellent outcome, 14(20%), 14(20%), 7(10%), had good fair and poor outcomes respectively. Conclusion: Cemented bipolar hemi-arthroplasty with anatomical reconstruction of trochanteric region preserves abductor mechanism thus allowing early mobilization, safe early weight bearing on the injured hip and had a relatively low rate of complications.

Role of proximal femur locking plate fixation in certain unstable trochanteric fractures.

Background: Comminution of the lateral trochanteric wall, postero-medial communition, reverse oblique fractures, fractures involving communition of greater trochanter are unstable fractures which had poor results with the regular methods of fixation. Our aim in this study is to evaluate radiological and functional outcome at the end of one year following proximal femur locking plate fixation for certain group of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: 20 patients (14 male and 6 female patients) with per trochanteric fractures underwent proximal femur locking plate fixation in Sri Ramachandra Medical College hospital. Intertrochanteric fractures were classified according to Boyd and Griffin. Mean age of the patients was 55.2 years (26-82 years). The Schatzker & Lambert Criteria used to evaluate the functional outcome at the end of one year. Minimum follow up period was six months and maximum follow up was one year. Results: The functional outcome was assessed by Schatzker and Lambert criteria and was excellent in 8 patients; good in 6, Fair in 4 and Poor in 2.The average time to bear weight fully and walk was 6.5 weeks. Conclusions: Union was achieved in unstable, comminuted trochanteric fractures without significant complications and neck shaft angle was maintained in majority of the cases following proximal femur locking plate fixation.One of the major drawbacks of using proximal femur locking plate is that weight bearing is to be controlled and done only after radiological evidence of callus formation.

Referred Pain to the Knee in Hip Diseases : A Case Series Study / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Patient 1, a 75-year-old woman with a past history of osteoarthritis of the right knee and Parkinson disease, had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. She complained of right knee pain during her rehabilitation. It turned out that she had sustained a right trochanteric fracture after falling out of bed in another hospital. Patient 2, an 86-year-old woman with a past history of rheumatoid arthritis, was treated with the Gamma nail technique for a left trochanteric fracture. She described experiencing pain in the region from the left knee to the lateral side of the left thigh during her rehabilitation, about two months after the hip operation. X-ray and computed tomography images showed varus displacement of the femoral head due to screw cut-out. In each of these cases, it took some time for us to detect the underlying hip diseases. The dermatome shows regions of the skin innervated by each single spinal segment. Similarly, the sclerotome shows regions of bone and periosteum innervated by each single spinal segment. According to Inman and Saunders's sclerotome, the proximal portion of the femur is mainly innervated by L3, L4 and L5. On the other hand, in dermatome perspective, L3, L4 and L5 innervate the knee and region around the knee. It means that hip diseases can cause referred pain to the knee.Untypical pain in distant regions from the hip joint makes it difficult to examine the hip joint and causes delay in an accurate diagnosis, as in the cases just described. Therefore, we should keep in mind that hip diseases can cause referred pain to the knee.

Analysis of Low-Energy Trochanter Fracture Using the Multiplanar Computed Tomography Image: Application for Intramedullary Nail Fixation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this radiologic study was to evaluate the geographic patterns of low-energy trochanteric fractures using multiplanar computed tomography (CT) images for application of intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 117 trochanteric fractures (stable fracture, 39 cases, unstable fractures, 78 cases) sustained from simple slip-down were assessed. The mean age was 78.4 years (range, 60-96 years). Multiplanar CT images were assessed for evaluation of geographic features of trochanteric fracture, and the fracture exit and geographic patterns were analyzed. RESULTS: The medial and lateral exit of the trochanteric fracture showed no statistical difference by age, bone density, and comorbid disease. The exit was located at an average distance of 10.2 mm (range, 1.0-22.2 mm) from the tip of the greater trochanter (GT), and the medial exit, average distance of 8.1 mm (range, 0.0-18.3 mm) from the tip of the lesser trochanter. It was also found that there was no comminution around the anteromedial cortex of the fracture, and its contact loss was from fracture deformity. CONCLUSION: Because of no comminution, the contact restoration of the anteromedial cortex resulted in correction of fracture deformity and reduction. Trochanteric nailing by GT tip could be fixed through the proximal fragment of the fracture because the lateral exit is placed at an average distance of 10.2 mm from the GT tip.

Results of Asian Type Gamma 3 Nail in Treatment of Trochanteric Fractures

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to demonstrate the radiologic and clinical results of using the Asian type gamma 3 nail in treatment of trochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients underwent operations with gamma 3 nails between August 2010 and August 2012. For the radiologic evaluation, we analyzed bone quality, fracture pattern, reduction quality, union period, and position of lag screw (tip-apex distance, Cleveland index). For the clinical evaluation, we analyzed mobility score of Palmer and Parker and Jensen's functional score. RESULTS: The mean union was taken at 17.4 weeks (14-25 weeks). Two cases (4.3%) underwent reoperation due to cutting out of the hip screws. The clinical outcomes of Parker and Palmer's average mobility score changed from 7.3 to 5.8 (79%), Jensen's functional score was 1.3 to 1.8 (72%). CONCLUSION: We achieved excellent clinical and radiological outcomes; therefore, Asian type gamma 3 nail is effective in treatment of trochanteric fractures of the femur in Korea.

Treatment of the Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail: Nailing Using the Provisional K-wire Fixation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of provisional K-wire fixation in intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty seven patients (by AO/OTA classification, A1 8 cases, A2 19 cases) were treated with PFN with percutaneous reduction and provisional K-wire fixation, and followed a mean 24.5 months. The adequacy of fracture reduction was assessed by Fogagnolo's classification and reestablishment of bone-to-bone contact with the medial anatomy. Functional results were evaluated by postoperative complications, Jensen's method and Harris hip score (HHS). RESULTS: In all cases, the bone-to-bone contact with the medial anatomy was reestablished by percutaneous reduction and examination of Fogagnolo's classification showed a good reduction. The technical complications and error of starting point were not occurred. The mean HHS was 76.5 and means Jensen's grade was 2.1 grades. Complications included excessive sliding in 1 case and early cutting-out of screw in 1 case. CONCLUSION: The provisional K-wire fixation in trochanteric fracture treated with PFN had an advantage in preventing technical complications because it facilitates a nail insertion in ideal position.

Treatment of Reverse Oblique Trochanteric Fracture with Compression Hip Screw

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric fractures with compression hip screw. METHODS: We reviewed the results of 12 cases of reverse oblique trochanteric fracture treated with compression hip screw from January 2000 to December 2006 which could be followed up for more than 1 year. The mean follow up period was 26 months (15~40). The mean age was 48 years old. Injury mechanism was composed of 6 cases of traffic accident and 6 cases of fall down. 8 persons were man. We investigated the union time, degree of neck-shaft angle change, amount of sliding of compression hip screw, complications, functional and clinical results. RESULTS: 10 cases were united and the mean union time were 5 months (3~8). The mean neck-shaft angle change was 3.5 degrees (0~12). The amount of sliding of compression hip screw was 8.9 mm (2~24). There were six coxa vara, six leg due to coxa vara shortening, two nonunion, and one superficial infection. Unsatisfactory results of Jensen's social function score and Parker and Palmer's mobility score were studied. CONCLUSION: The results of treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric fractures with compression hip screw were relatively unsatisfied.

The Treatment of Trochanteric Femoral Fracture with Using Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA)

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) for internal fixation of femur trochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We operated on 36 femur trochanteric fracture patients with performing PFNA from September, 2006 to November, 2008 and we analyzed the operation time, the blood loss, the union time, the tip apex distance (TAD), the Cleveland index, the sliding distance of the blade and the complications. We also evaluated the clinical results according to the recovery of ambulatory function and the functional recovery score. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 54 minutes and the mean amount of blood loss amount was 119cc. Thirty two cases progressed to union within 4 months and 4 cases also progressed to union within 6 months without a further operation. The mean TAD was 16mm and the mean sliding distance was 3.8 mm. Clinically, the mean loss of ambulation ability was 1.2 grades and the Jensen functional recovery score was 1.8. There was one case of back out of the blade, but there was no skin problem. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study indicate that PFNA is a useful and reliable choice for the treatment of trochanteric fracture of the femur.

Operative Treatment with ITST in Femur Trochanteric Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of treatment of trochanteric fracture with ITST (Intertrochanteric/ Subtrochanteric) nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 40 cases of trochanteric fracture treated with ITST from January 2006 to May 2007, which could be followed up for more than 12 months. The cases include 13 males and 27 females, and the mean age is 75.6 years old. The clinical results were evaluated by Ceder mobility assessment, and the radiographic results were evaluated by the change of femoral neck-shaft angle and sliding of lag screw. RESULTS: The mean bone union time is 13.5 weeks. Thirty four cases (85%) were recovered to pre-injury state of walking ability. The change of neck-shaft angle was an average of 5.21degrees and the sliding distance of lag screw was an average of 5.78 mm. Complications were occurred in 4 patients (10%). CONCLUSION: The ITST nail were seen good results in treatment of trochanteric fracture and has relatively less complications than other internal fixator.

Trochanteric Management for Unstable Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture in the Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results after fixation with figure of eight and cerclage wiring for comminuted trochanteric fracture. Because comminution of the femoral trochanteric fracture in elderly patients is severer in the operating field than x-ray findings, so the fixation is more difficult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1998 and March 2004, the clinical records on twenty-eight patients more than 70 years old who underwent the bipolar hemiarthroplaty using calcar replacement type of femoral stem and followed more than 24 months were reviewed. Figure of eight and cerclage wiring was used for the comminuted trochanteric fracture of the femoral intertrochanteric fracture. The mean age was 80.4 (70~103) years. 19 cases were female, 9 cases were male. Mean follow-up period was 58 (24~92) months. We evaluated the results by modified Harris hip score, walking ability, activity of daily living, radiologic findings and union of the fracture. RESULTS: The mean duration of bony union was 12 weeks. The mean postoperative modified Harris hip score was 82.3. Preoperative walking ability was recovered in 23 cases (82%). Also basic activity of daily living was recovered in 22 cases (79%). Nonunion of trochanter was found in only one case by radiologic evaluation but clinical correlation was not significant. CONCLUSION: We consider fixation with figure of eight and cerclage wiring for unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur in the elderly patient is more appropriate in terms of convenience of fixation, duration of union, early ambulation and cost effectiveness.

Treatment of Highly Unstable Trochanteric Fractures

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the treatment results of highly unstable trochanteric fractures and made treatment guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among three hundred six cases of trochanteric fractures from October 2001 to February 2006, the patients were divided into group 1(highly unstable trochanteric fracture, 69 cases) and group 2(age and gender-matched control group, 70 cases). The two groups were compared clinically and radiologically. A highly unstable trochanteric was defined as a fracture with a neck-shaft angle<100degrees and anterior angulation. The mean follow-up duration in groups 1 and 2 was 13.2 and 15.5 months, respectively. The mean neck-shaft angle in groups 1 and 2 was 92.1degrees and 118.9degrees , respectively. The mean anterior angulation in groups 1 and 2 was 23.0degrees and 4.6degrees. RESULTS: In group 1, 39 cases were treated with a dynamic hip screw (DHS), 22 cases were treated with a proximal femoral nail (PFN), and 8 cases(11.6%) were treated with primary bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The average amount of sliding of the lag screw in groups 1 and 2 was 10.5 mm and 3.7 mm, respectively (p<0.05). The average change in the neck-shaft angle in groups 1 and 2 was 7.0degrees 1 and 2.1degrees , respectively (p<0.05). There were 7 complications in group 1, including 5 cutting-out, 1 back-out and 1 Z-effect, and 2 cases of cutting-out in group 2. CONCLUSION: A highly unstable trochanteric fracture has a high risk of the need for additional surgery. Therefore, considerable care should be taken to treat it with a consideration of the possible need for arthroplasty.

Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) for the Treatment of the Femoral Trochanteric Fracture

PURPOSE: We report our experience of treatment of peritrochanteric fractures with newly designed proximal femoral nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied 24 cases of the peritrochanteric fractures using PFN between Jun. 2001 and Aug. 2002 excluding 3 cases (1 case expired due to ARF and pulmonary complication, 2 cases were loss of follow-up). The mean age was 69.6 years and the mean duration of follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: The mean medial cortical displacement of postoperative roentgenogram was 4.6mm, the mean anterior cortical displacement of postoperative roentgenogram was 4.1 mm, the mean degree of sliding of lag screw between postoperative and last follow-up roentgenogram was 1.2 mm. Neck-shaft angle was average 3.3degrees varus angulation (from postoperative average 131.1degrees to last follow-up average 127.8degrees). Allowed to begin weight-bearing at 1 week postoperatively, the mean union time was 10 weeks and all cases showed bony union and there were no evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Perioperatve complications were pulmonary embolism, DVT, varus deformity, 2 thigh pains, and so on. CONCLUSION: We obtained satisfactory results in treatment of the femoral trochanteric fractures using PFN in point of early ambulation, excellent union rate and minimal complication.