Treatment of Failed Intertrochanteric Fractures to Maintain the Reduction in Elderly Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and report the new method with a cement augmented screw fixation again to treat the failed intertrochanteric fracture in elderly which were treated with ordinary compression hip screw initially. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Mar. 1988 to May 2007, 10 patients (mean age 69 years) with the failed intertrochanteric fracture which were treated with initial hip screw, were treated with a cement augmented compression hip screw again. The mean follow-up after surgery was over 18 months. The cause of failure, the period upto the reoperation, the neck-shaft angle after the reoperation, the position of lag screw in the femoral head, and the degree of union at last follow-up were analyzed. The change in the functional hip capacity were evaluated by the classification of Clawson. RESULTS: Causes of failure were superior cutting-out in 6 cases, cortical anchorage failure in 3, and nonunion in one case. The period upto the reoperation was average 7.8 months. Valgus reduction of average 5.7degrees was achieved, and the positions of lag screw were postero-inferior in 6 cases, center in 3, infero-center in one case. We obtained complete union in 9 cases. The functional outcome showed moderate in 6 cases, good in 3 and poor degree in one case. CONCLUSION: Cement augmented compression hip screw treatment will possibly reduce cutting-out of screw and bring more stability in fixation for intertrochanteric fractures in old osteoporotic patients, as well, even in failed cases treated with initial compression hip screw, but proper selection of patients is important.