Cement Augmentation of Dynamic Hip Screw to Prevent Screw Cut Out in Osteoporotic Patients with Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a method of inserting cement in the femoral head before fixation with dynamic hip screw to prevent screw cut out due to osteoporosis and to evaluate its clinical outcome in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 30 patients aged 60 years and older with intertrochanteric fracture were included. Bone mineral density was measured. After reaming of the femoral head and neck with a triple reamer and polymethyl methacrylate, bone cement was introduced into the femoral head using a customized nozzle and a barrel fitted on a cement gun. A Richard screw was inserted and the plate was fixed over the femoral shaft. Patients were mobilized and clinical outcomes were rated using the Salvati and Wilson's scoring system. RESULTS: More patients included in this study were between 66 and 70 years old than any other age group. The most common fracture according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification was type 31A2.2 (46.7%). The T-score was found to be -2.506±0.22 (mean±standard deviation); all patients were within the range of -2.0 to -2.8. The duration of radiological union was 13.67±1.77 weeks. Salvati and Wilson's scoring at 12 months of follow up was 30.96±4.97. The majority of patients were able to perform their normal routine activities; none experienced implant failure or screw cut out. CONCLUSION: Bone cement augmentation may effectively prevent osteoporosis-related hardware complications like screw cut out in elderly patients experiencing intertrochanteric fractures.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fractures: Clinical and Functional Outcome.

Purpose: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) presents commonly with avulsion fractures of its tibial attachment. An avulsion fracture of the PCL, if not surgically fixed, may lead to secondary changes in the knee joint. Various fixation techniques have been explored with use of lag screws, steel wires, absorbable screws, suture anchors and straddle nails. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of tibial avulsion injuries of the PCL using cannulated cancellous screws. Materials and Methods: We performed open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated cancellous screws in 14 patients (mean age, 33.9 years) with isolated PCL avulsion injuries. Patients with a duration of injury more than 12 weeks were excluded. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results were assessed radiologically and clinically. Final functional outcome was assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring system. Results: The average follow-up period was 13.5 months. At the final follow-up, all 14 patients achieved fracture union. The average flexion was 121.7°±9.2° with full extension achieved in all patients. Mild instability (1+) was noted in 4 patients. The Lysholm functional score was excellent in 11 patients, good in 2 patients and fair in 1 patient with an average score of 97±7.6. Conclusions: Stable early fixation for PCL avulsion injuries with early controlled mobilization provided excellent to good results. However, fixation should not be discouraged for late-presenting patients because good to fair results can be achieved in such cases.