Periprosthetic femoral fractures associated with contralateral hip disease

Femoral osteolysis associated with contralateral hip degenerative changes is a risk factor for ipsilateral periprosthetic femoral fracture. We report 5 comminuted proximal shaft fractures around loose femoral implants occurring in patients with both symptomatic femoral lysis and a painful hip on the other side. Our evolving strategy involves timely revision surgery once this pattern is recognized. Once fracture has occurred, emergent revision requires extensive medical evaluation, availability of long-stem revision implants, and appropriate instrumentation and allografts for fracture fixation.     

Long proximal femoral nail in ipsilateral fractures proximal femur and shaft of femur

Background:

Ipsilateral fractures of the proximal femur and femoral shaft are extremely uncommon injuries which occur in young adults who sustain a high energy trauma. A variety of management modalities have been tried to treat this complex fracture pattern ranging from conservative approach to recently introduced reconstruction nails. All these approaches have their own difficulties. We studied the outcome of long proximal femoral nail (LPFN) in the management of concomitant ipsilateral fracture of the proximal femur and femoral shaft.

Materials and Methods:

We analysed the prospective data of 36 consecutive patients who had sustained a high energy trauma (30 closed fractures and 6 open shaft fractures) who had concomitant ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft associated with proximal femur fractures treated with LPFN between December 2005 and December 2011. The mean age was 39 years (range 28-64 years). Twenty nine males and seven females were enrolled for this study.

Results:

The patients were followed up at three, six, twelve, and eighteen months. The mean healing time for the neck fractures was 4.8 months and for the shaft fractures was 6.2 months. The greater trochanter was splintered and widened in two cases which eventually consolidated. Two patients had superficial infection, two patients had lateral migration of the screws with coxa vara which was due to severe osteoporosis detected during the followup. We had two cases of nonunion of shaft fracture and one case of nonunion of neck fracture. Two cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head were detected after 2 years of followup. No cases of implant failure were noted. Limb shortening of less than 2 cms was noted in four of our patients. The functional assessment system of Friedman and Wyman was used for evaluating the results. In our series 59.9% (n = 23) were rated as good, 30.6% (n = 11) as fair, and 5.5% (n = 2) as poor.

Conclusion:

Long PFN is a reliable option for concomitant ipsilateral diaphyseal and proximal femur fractures.     

Tip-Apex Distance as a Predictor of Failure Following Cephalo-Medullary Fixation for Unstable Fractures of the Proximal Femur

Abstract  Current research has been unable to confirm that intramedullary fixation provides greater stability for unstable fracture configurations of the proximal femur than extra-medullary devices. We present a retrospective analysis of the outcome of proximal femoral fractures treated with the Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN, Synthes) with particular reference to implant position and adequacy of reduction. Between May 2002 and October 2004, 61 patients with low-energy unstable proximal femoral fractures underwent surgery at a mean 2.4 days. Mean age was 78 years, 74% were female. Four (6.9%) implants failed secondary to proximal cut out of the hip screw. All of the failures occurred in patients who had sustained AO/OTA type 31. A3 fractures. In patients with A3 fracture patterns, there is a significant relationship between increasing Tip-Apex distance (p = 0.023), varus mal-reduction (p = 0.038) and failure; 46% patients died within 12 months of surgery. The PFN is a satisfactory implant in the management of unstable proximal femoral fractures, however accurate reduction and implant position are essential to provide the best conditions for union and to prevent implant failure.     

A biomechanical comparison of proximal femoral nails and locking proximal anatomic femoral plates in femoral fracture fixation: A study on synthetic bones

Background:The incidence of fractures in the trochanteric area has risen with the increasing numbers of elderly people with osteoporosis. Although dynamic hip screw fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric femur fractures, treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures still remains controversial. Intramedullary devices such as Gamma nail or proximal femoral nail and proximal anatomic femur plates are in use for the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures. There are still many investigations to find the optimal implant to treat these fractures with minimum complications. For this reason, we aimed to perform a biomechanical comparison of the proximal femoral nail and the locking proximal anatomic femoral plate in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.Result:Nail and plate models were locked distally at the same level. Axial steady load with a 5 mm/m velocity was applied through the mechanical axis of femur bone models. Axial loading in the proximal femoral intramedullary nail group was 1.78-fold greater compared to the plate group. All bones that had the plate applied were fractured in the portion containing the distal locking screw.Conclusion:The proximal femoral intramedullary nail provides more stability and allows for earlier weight bearing than the locking plate when used for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. Clinicians should be cautious for early weight bearing with locking plate for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures.     

Evaluation of osteosynthesis with dual fibular bone grafting for neglected femoral neck fractures

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in young adults is an unsolved problem and neglected femoral neck fractures presents more challenge to the orthopaedics surgeon if femoral head salvage is attempted. We reviewed the operative results of neglected femoral neck fractures in young adults with fixation with dual fibular bone grafting Purpose of study was evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, functional, rehabilitative outcome and complications in such patients.MethodsTwentyeight patients in age group 18–50 years were operated having fracture neck femur by dual fibular bone grafting in the Department of Orthopaedics, S.N. Medical College, Agra in (May 2005–February 2008) and divided into two groups. Group A: comprised of 8 patients treated by dual fibular bone grafting alone and Group B: comprised of 18 patients treated by dual fibular bone grafting with single cancellous hip screw.ResultsAll the patients of the present series were having neglected intracapsular fracture, neck femur which were treated by dual fibular bone grafting with or without cancellous hip screw fixation. Majority of the patients had good to fair result according to Larson method with average time of union 16 weeks. All patients had useful range of movement at hip. Satisfactory union was achieved in all patients except two.ConclusionDouble bone grafting is a simple and cost effective modality of treatment for late femoral neck fracture with good results. It is a stable and biological method of fixation with preservation of natural femoral head with fewer complications.     

Effectiveness of distally slotted proximal femoral nails on prevention of femur fractures during and after intertrochanteric femur fracture surgery

IntroductionIntra- and post-operative femoral shaft fractures related with nailing remain of concern. Although manufacturers have sought to solve the problem by providing distally slotted nails, it is not clear that these implants reduce fractures.We compare two distally slotted proximal femoral nails [trochanteric nail (TRON) and proximal femur intramedullary nail (PROFIN)].Patients and MethodsThe medical records of 195 hips treated with TRONs (distally slotted in four places in the sagittal and coronal planes) and 583 hips treated with PROFINs (distally slotted in two places in the coronal plane) in two institutes were retrospectively evaluated. The inclusion criteria were follow-up for at least 6 months; pertrochanteric fractures and age over 55 years.ResultsIn total, 161 hips in the TRON group and 512 hips in the PROFIN group were included. The mean follow-up time was 28.5 (range: 6–84) months in whole group. The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. Only 2 intraoperative shaft and 3 proximal lateral cortex fracture was detected in PROFIN group, there wasn’t any postoperative fracture. Four proximal lateral cortex and 2 femur shaft fractures were detected in TRON group (one during operation and one at postoperative 8th month after a fall at pedestrian way).ConclusionsDistal cephalomedullary nail slotting prevented intra- and post-operative femoral fractures. A distal slot 50 mm in length may increase nail elasticity and reduce nail tip stress to a greater extent than a 30-mm slot. Distal slotting in both the sagittal and coronal planes afforded no advantage compared to coronal slotting only.Level of evidenceLevel III retrospective study     

Cephalomedullary fixation for femoral neck/intertrochanteric and ipsilateral shaft fractures: surgical tips and pitfalls

Objective:Surgical management options for femoral shaft fracture and ipsilateral proximal femur fracture vary from single-implant to double-implant fixation.Cephalomedullary fixation in such fractures ...     

Implant fracture of the TFNA femoral nail

BackgroundThe TFNA (Trochanteric Fixation Nail Advanced) Proximal Femoral Nailing System (DePuy Synthes) is frequently used for intramedullary fixation of proximal femoral fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate all TFNA implant fractures at a UK trauma unit to ascertain any patient or surgical factors associated with implant failure.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out identifying all patients that sustained a TFNA implant fracture over a five-year period. Data was collected on demographic information, ASA, co-morbidities, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern according to the AO/OTA classification, procedure details and time to failure. Radiographs were assessed by two independent reviewers to identify tip-apex distance (TAD), calcar TAD, reduction quality and union status at time of implant failure.ResultsSix cases were identified, all with implant breakage at the aperture for the proximal screw. All femoral fractures were intertrochanteric reverse obliquity type (OA/OTA 31A3). Two were traumatic fragility fractures and the remainder atraumatic. Mean time from index surgery to revision was 441 days (104–963). Mean TAD was 20.5 mm (15–24) and mean calcar TAD 24 mm (18–32). All six cases displayed radiographic non-union at the time of implant fracture.ConclusionPathological fractures resulting in reverse obliquity type fracture patterns and subsequent non-union appear to be contributory factors to TFNA breakage at the proximal screw aperture. This may be further exacerbated by alterations to the nail design from previous generations. In these patients, close follow up with clinical and radiographic surveillance should be employed. Further biomechanical and clinical studies are required to compare this finding against other nail designs.     

Contralateral reversed distal femoral locking plate for fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures

Purpose: Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur are being managed successfully with various intramedullary and extramedulary implants with reasonable success. However, these implants require precise placement under image intensifier guidance, which exposes the surgeon to substantial amount of radiation. It also restricts the management of these fractures at peripheral centers where facility of image intensifiers is not available. Keeping this in mind we designed this study to identify if contralateral reversed distal femoral locking plate can be used successfully without the use of image intensifier. Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients (18 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 28 years (range 19e47 years) suffering subtrochanteric fractures of the femur underwent open reduction and internal fixation with reversed contralateral distal femoral locking plate. The outcome was assessed at the mean follow-up period of 3.2 years (range 2e4.6 years) using the Harris hip score. Results: Twenty-one fractures united with the primary procedure, with a mean time of consolidation being 11 weeks (range, 9e16 weeks). One patient developed superficial suture line infection, which resolved with oral antibiotics. Another patient had a fall 3 weeks after surgery and broke the plate. Repeat surgery with reversed distal femoral locking compression plate was performed along with bone grafting and the fracture united. Two cases had nonunion, which went in for union after bone grafting. The mean Harris hip score at the time of final follow-up was 90.63 (range 82-97). Conclusion: The reversed contralateral distal femoral plate is a biomechanically sound implant, which when used for fixation of the subtrochanteric fractures with minimal soft tissue stripping shows results comparable to those achieved by using other extramedullary implants as well as intramedullary devices. The added advantage of this implant is its usability in the absence of an image intensifier.     

Use of a long distally fixed intramedullary stem to treat a periprosthetic femoral fracture following total hip arthroplasty using a thrust plate hip prosthesis: A case report

IntroductionThe thrust plate hip prosthesis (TPP; Zimmer, Winterthur, Switzerland) is a hip prosthesis that is no longer in production. Few reports have focused on periprosthetic fractures following total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the use of a TPP.Presentation of caseWe report a 57-year-old woman with a periprosthetic femoral fracture 13 years after THA with the use of a TPP. A plain radiograph showed a displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the right femur just below the distal tip of the lateral plate without implant loosening. She underwent revision surgery with a long distally fixed intramedullary stem in conjunction with a plate and cable system. Three months after surgery, bone union was confirmed using radiography and the patient was clinically asymptomatic.DiscussionWe encountered three major problems while planning surgical treatment, these being, discontinuation of the TPP system, loss of proximal femoral cancellous bone, and difficulties with the type of subtrochanteric fracture. After considering these problems, we planned revision surgery using a long distally fixed intramedullary stem in conjunction with a plate and cable system.ConclusionThis case shows that sufficient implant preparation based on precise preoperative planning is necessary to obtain good clinical results for the surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures following THA with the use of a TPP.     

Retrograde nailing versus fixed-angle blade plating for supracondylar femoral fractures: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: A variety of devices have been used in the treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures. The condylar blade plate relies on the principles of open reduction, absolute stability and interfragmentary compression to achieve union. The technique of retrograde nailing uses indirect reduction of the metaphyseal fracture component, offering relative stability and a less invasive approach. Randomized comparison of these common methods of fixation has not been reported. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with 23 supracondylar femur fractures were recruited from two regional trauma centres over a 26-month period and randomized to receive either a retrograde intramedullary nail fixation (IM group, 12 fractures) or a fixed-angle blade plate fixation (BP group, 11 fractures). The groups were followed for 12-36 months. The primary outcome measures were revision surgery and general health. RESULTS: Three patients in the IM group required revision surgery for the removal of implant components. No reoperations occurred in the BP group. There was a trend towards greater pain in the IM group, although there was no statistically significant difference in the scores for any of the SF-36 domains. CONCLUSION: Both distal femoral nailing and blade plating give good outcomes. There is a trend for patients undergoing retrograde nailing to complain of more pain and to require revision surgery for removal of implants.     

A double-plating approach to distal femur fracture: A clinical study

BackgroundLocked plating is one of the latest innovative options for treating supracondylar femur fractures with relatively low failure rates. Single lateral plating was often found to have a relative higher failure rate. No clinical studies of double-plating distal femur fixation have thus far been reported. The aim of this study is to present our clinical experience with this surgical approach.Patients and methodsThirty-two patients (26 females and 6 males, mean age 76 years, range 44–101) were included in the study. Eight of them patients had a periprosthetic stable implant fracture and two patients were treated for a nonunion.ResultsAll fractures, excluding one that needed bone grafting and one refracture, healed within 12 weeks. One patient needed bone grafting for delayed union and one patient needed fixation exchange due to femur re-fracture at the site of the most proximal screw. Two patients developed superficial wound infection and one patient required medial plate removal after union due to deep infection.ConclusionsBased on these promising results, we propose that the double-plating technique should be considered in the surgeon’s armamentarium for the treatment of supracondylar femur fractures, particularly in patients with poor bone quality, comminuted fractures and very low periprosthetic fractures.     

PFLCP与PFNA治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的临床疗效比较

目的回顾总结应用股骨近端锁定加压接骨板(proximal femur locking compression plate,PFLCP)与股骨近端螺旋刀片抗旋髓内钉(proximal femoral nail antirotation blade,PFNA)两种手术内固定治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的临床疗效并进行对比分析。方法从2008年7月至2011年10月,收治股骨粗隆间骨折56例,随机分为两组,一组采用PFLCP内固定,另一组采用PFNA内固定。术后分析手术时间、伤口大小、失血量、完全负重时间、骨折愈合时间及内固定位置情况,并通过Harris功能评分评价下肢功能。结果两组顺利完成手术,术后均定期完成随访,平均随访12个月(8～18个月)。PFNA组在切口长度、术后负重时间均优于PFLCP组(P<0.05),两组在手术时间、术中失血量、骨折愈合时间方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。PFLCP组出现2例髋内翻、螺钉松动退出、股骨大粗隆滑囊炎,PFNA组2例分别出现颈干角丢失、螺钉切出股骨头和下肢轻度短缩、螺钉稍退出。结论 PFNA和PFLCP两种内固定在股骨粗隆间骨折治疗中均具有较好疗效,PFNA固定允许患者早期负重,两种内固定均具有自己的优势。     

Evidence for Success with Locking Plates for Fragility Fractures

Fixation of fragility fractures with plates and screws often results in loss of fixation and need for revision surgery. Locking plates and screw were introduced to improve fixation of fragility fractures and have been in use for a decade. This review was conducted to compile evidence that locking plates and screws improve fixation of fragility fractures. A search of PubMed was performed to identify biomechanical studies as well as clinical series of fragility fractures treated with locking plates. Biomechanics papers had to use models of osteoporotic bone and had to directly compare locking plates with traditional plates. Clinical studies included case series in which locking plates were applied to elderly patients with fractures of the proximal humerus and periprosthetic distal femur fractures. Most studies are retrospective case series. Locking plates lead to greater stability and higher loads to failure than traditional plates. When applied to proximal humerus fractures, uncomplicated healing occurs in 85% of patients. Constant and Dash scores approach normal values. For distal femoral periprosthetic fractures, union rates of 75% are reported with a malunion rate of 10%. Early evidence suggests that locking plates improve results of treatment of proximal humerus fractures and distal femoral periprosthetic fractures in the elderly. Loss of fixation is associated with failure to achieve stability at the fracture site. Principles of fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone defined prior to the introduction of locking plates should still be applied.     

加长型PFNA治疗股骨转子下粉碎性骨折的临床研究

[目的]评价采用加长型股骨近端螺旋刀片抗旋髓内钉(proximal femoral nail anti-rotation,PFNA)治疗股骨转子下粉碎性骨折的临床疗效.[方法]2006年6月～2011年6月,本院采用AO/ASIF加长型PFNA治疗股骨转子下粉碎性骨折83例,男57例,女26例；年龄19 ～72岁,平均42.6岁,所有患者均为股骨单侧闭合性骨折,受伤至手术时间间隔为3～7d,平均4.1d.术后第1、2、3、6、9、12个月门诊随访,以后每年至少门诊复查1次.随访时所有患者均拍摄股骨中近段正、侧位X线片.临床疗效评价采用Harris髋关节功能评分标准.[结果]83例患者手术时间45 ～ 95 min,平均65.7 min；术中出血量50 ～150ml,平均86.4 ml,所有患者均为术后4～7d下地扶拐逐渐限量负重行走.83例患者均获得完整随访,随诊4,～36个月,平均18.3个月,所有患者术后未出现感染、下肢静脉血栓形成,未出现螺旋刀片切割股骨头及断钉现象,3例出现髋内翻短缩畸形；无骨折不愈合者,骨折愈合时间为3.3 ～5.7个月,平均3.6个月.按Harris髋功能评分标准:优56例,良24例,中3例,优良率96.39％( 80/83).[结论]加长型PFNA治疗具有微创、固定强度高、生物力学特性好等优点,在治疗股骨转子下粉碎性骨折时骨愈合率高、功能恢复快、并发症少.     

Surgical outcome of intramedullary nailing in patients with complete atypical femoral fracture: A multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundManagement of atypical femoral fracture on bisphosphonate therapy still remains controversy and is reported high rate of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of intramedullary nailing in patients with atypical femoral fracture who took bisphosphonate more than one year through the multicenter retrospective study.MethodsWe gathered 75 atypical femoral fractures from seven institutions between 2009 and 2014. Among them 46 atypical femoral fractures which met the inclusion criteria was evaluated in this study. The average age was 70.1 years (53–80) and the average duration of bisphosphonate use was 5.1 years (1–15 years). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine time to union, union rate, need for revision surgery, restoration of ambulatory function, and complications.ResultsTwenty-nine (63%) fractures healed within 6 months without complications. The average time to union except two non-union was 24.9 weeks (11–48 weeks). Two patients (4.3%) underwent revision surgery for non-union and there was no implant failure. Thirty-seven (80.4%) patients achieved their pre-fracture ambulatory function at the final follow up.ConclusionsAlthough the incidence of delayed bone healing is high in atypical femoral fracture on bisphosphonate therapy even treated with intramedullary nailing, the incidence of revision surgery and implant failure was relatively lower than those of extramedullary devices.     

Working length and proximal screw constructs in plate osteosynthesis of distal femur fractures

BackgroundThe study purpose is to evaluate the working length, proximal screw density, and diaphyseal fixation mode and the correlation to fracture union after locking plate osteosynthesis of distal femoral fractures using bridge-plating technique.MethodsA four-year retrospective review was performed to identify patients undergoing operative fixation of distal femur fractures with a distal femoral locking plate using bridge-plating technique for the metadiaphyseal region. Primary variables included fracture union, secondary surgery for union, plate working length, and diaphyseal screw technique and configuration. Multiple secondary variables including plate metallurgy and coronal plane fracture alignment were also collected.ResultsNinety-six patients with distal femur fractures with a mean age 60 years met inclusion criteria. None of the clinical parameters were statistically significant indicators of union. Likewise, none of the following surgical technique parameters were associated with fracture union: plate metallurgy, the mean working length, screw density and number of proximal screws and screw cortices. However, diaphyseal screw technique did show statistical significance. Hybrid technique had a statistically significant higher chance of union when compared to locking (p = 0.02). All proximal locking screw constructs were 2.9 times more likely to lead to nonunion.ConclusionsPlating constructs with all locking screws used in the diaphysis when bridge-plating distal femur locking plates were 2.9 times more likely to incur a nonunion. However, other factors associated with more flexible fixation constructs such as increased working length, decreased proximal screw number, and decreased proximal screw density were not significantly associated with union in this study.     

The role of proximal femoral support in stress development within hip prostheses

Bone remodeling commonly associated with implant loosening may require revision total hip replacement when there is substantial proximal femoral bone loss. Additionally, the surgical exposure required to remove primary implants may alter the proximal femur's structure. As a result, in many revision hip situations the proximal femur provides compromised support for the revision femoral component. Stress analyses of the proximal femur with extensively porous-coated prosthetic femoral components show that proximomedial femoral bone loss, ununited femoral osteotomy, and periprosthetic fracture can result in significant elevation of stress within revision prosthetic components. The first principal stress within prosthetic components can, in proximal bone loss conditions, be elevated significantly above a revision prostheses' fatigue strength. Loss of proximomedial bone is predicted to increase stress within a revision component by as much as 82%. An unhealed transverse femoral fracture or osteotomy is predicted to more than double the stress within a revision femoral component. In revision total hip replacement, efforts directed toward the restoration of proximal femoral bone and the use of larger prostheses may contribute to avoiding prostheses fatigue fracture. Similarly, protected weightbearing in patients with ununited femoral osteotomies and periprosthetic fractures may be important to preventing prosthetic fracture.     

股骨、胫骨骨折交锁髓内钉固定后骨不连的诊治

目的探讨股骨、胫骨骨折应用交锁髓内钉固定后骨不连的诊断及应用微创内固定系统(LISS)或锁定加压钢板(LCP)治疗其骨不连的临床疗效。方法2003年2月～2004年12月,对7例股骨和胫骨骨折患者髓内钉固定后应用X线或CT扫描观察骨不连情况,并应用LISS或LCP固定 植骨治疗,病程10～49个月,平均23.3个月。结果7例患者获4～16个月(平均9.1个月)随访;骨折均在术后4～6个月牢固连接,平均愈合时间4.7个月,无植入物松动等并发症发生。结论对骨折端较长时间存在骨折线、且骨折局部伴有疼痛症状者要果断进行手术干预,消除骨折端的微动和消灭骨缺损。LISS或LCP因其先进的锁定设计,可有效治疗股骨和胫骨骨不连。     

股骨近端髓内钉治疗股骨转子间骨折

目的探讨股骨近端髓内钉治疗股骨转子间骨折的疗效。方法回顾分析2001年2月～2004年2月应用股骨近端髓内钉治疗股骨转子间骨折30例。结果本组病人28例得到随访,随访时间平均8个月,骨折全部愈合,无髋内翻并发症。结论股骨近端髓内针具有抗旋转稳定性能好,手术操作简单,创伤小,是治疗转子间骨折较理想的一种方法。