Trochanteric fossa or piriform fossa of the femur: time for standardised terminology?

Piriform fossa, trochanteric fossa and greater trochanteric tip have each been described as entry points for antegrade femoral nailing. However, the terminology used for these entry points is confusing. The accuracy of the entry point nomenclature in published text and illustrations was recorded in this review study. The trochanteric fossa, a deep depression at the base of the femoral neck is indicated as 'piriform fossa' in the vast majority of the publications. Other publications indicate the insertion site of the tendon of the piriformis muscle on the greater trochanteric tip as 'piriform fossa'. As a result of recurrent terminology error and consistent reproductions of it, the recommended entry point in literature is confusing and seems to need standardisation. The piriform fossa does not appear to exist in the femoral region. The trochanteric fossa is the standard entry point which most surgeons recommend for facilitating a standard straight intramedullary nail, as is in line with the medullary canal. The greater trochanteric tip is the lateral entry point for intramedullary nails with a proximal lateral bend.

Intramedullary femoral nailing through the trochanteric fossa versus greater trochanter tip: a randomized controlled study with in-depth functional outcome results.

PURPOSE: In a level 1 university trauma center, an explorative randomized controlled study was performed to compare soft tissue damage and functional outcome after antegrade femoral nailing through a trochanteric fossa (also known as piriform fossa) entry point to a greater trochanter entry point in patients with a femoral shaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to two nail insertion groups; ten patients were treated with an Unreamed Femoral Nail(®) (UFN, Synthes(®), Solothurn, Switzerland) inserted at the trochanteric fossa and nine patients were treated with an Antegrade Femoral Nail(®) (AFN, Synthes(®), Solothurn, Switzerland) inserted at the tip of the greater trochanter. The main outcome measures were pain, gait, nerve and muscle function, along with endurance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG), and Cybex isokinetic testings were performed at, respectively, 2 and 6 weeks and at a minimum of 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The MRI and EMG showed, in both groups, signs of iatrogenic abductor musculature lesions (four in the UFN group and four in the AFN group) and superior gluteal nerve injury (five in the UFN group and four in the AFN group). The isokinetic measurements and the patient-reported outcomes showed moderate reduction in abduction strength and endurance, as well as functional impairment with slight to moderate interference with daily life in both groups, with no appreciable differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical localization of the entry point seems to be important for per-operative soft tissue damage and subsequent functional impairment. However, the results of this study did not show appreciable differences between femoral nailing through the greater trochanter tip and nailing through the trochanteric fossa.

Soft tissue anatomy around the hip and its implications for choice of entry point in antegrade femoral nailing.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing is an accepted method of treatment for femoral shaft fractures. Entrance of the nail through the trochanteric fossa is currently recommended by some surgeons. This approach results in some cases, however, in loss of abduction strength and persistent pain. Nail insertion at the tip of the greater trochanter may be more favorable. In this study the anatomical relationships of the trochanteric fossa and of the tip of the greater trochanter were explored. Dissection was carried out in 10 fresh human cadaver femurs. The risks and safety of the two entry points with respect to the adjacent soft tissues were assessed. Abductor muscles and tendons, branches of the medial circumflex femoral artery and the hip joint capsule were at risk during nail insertion through the trochanteric fossa. These structures were not endangered during insertion through the trochanteric tip. The reported clinical morbidity after nailing through the trochanteric fossa may result from direct soft tissue injury and may be reduced by choosing the route through the greater trochanter.

Soft tissue injury related to choice of entry point in antegrade femoral nailing: piriform fossa or greater trochanter tip.

Intramedullary nailing through the piriform fossa results in some cases in loss of abduction strength and persistent pain. Nail insertion at the tip of the greater trochanter may be favourable. The aim of this study was to assess (possible) iatrogenic injury to the abductor and external rotator musculature, branches of the superior gluteal nerve and branches of the MFCA in relation to the two different entry points. In 10 fresh human cadaver femurs, five unreamed femoral nails (UFN) were inserted through the piriform fossa and five AO prototype nails (AFN) through the trochanteric tip. The iatrogenic injury at each nailing procedure was assessed. Various muscles and tendons, branches of the MFCA along with the hip joint capsule were injured or largely at risk during nail insertion through the piriform fossa. Most of these structures were not exposed during insertion through the trochanteric tip. The reported clinical morbidity after nailing through the piriform fossa may find its origin in direct soft tissue injury and may be reduced by choosing a lateral nail entry point.

[Acute right heart failure due to aortic aneurysm: 2 patients with an aortocaval shunt]. / Acute rechtsdecompensatie bij een aneurysma aortae door een links-rechtsshunt.

Two patients, a 72-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, presented with severe pain in the lower back and abdomen, respectively, accompanied by acute dyspnoea. One patient presented additionally with a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass and a continuous harsh bruit. He subsequently developed massive haemoptysis and went into deep shock. The second patient presented with peripheral cyanosis and a loud systolic heart murmur. She developed increasing respiratory distress and was maximally supported in the intensive care unit. Further investigation revealed acute left-to-right shunting based on rupture of an aortic aneurysm into the venous system in both patients; in the first this was into the V. cava inferior and in the second this was into the right atrium. In both patients, high-output heart failure was present. Acute right heart failure due to a fistula between the aorta and the venous system is a life-threatening and rapidly worsening haemodynamic disturbance. The diagnosis is not difficult but the condition is rare. In some cases, the patient's survival can be achieved by prompt diagnosis followed by operative closure of the fistula.