Management of unstable pertrochanteric and per- to subtrochanteric femoral fractures with the dynamic hip screw]

The operative treatment of fractures of the proximal end of femur with the dynamic hip screw (DHS) permits a weight-bearing stable osteosynthesis. In 5.2 years between 1985 and 1990 531 patients were treated with a DHS. The average age was 75 years. This method of osteosynthesis was also performed in 59 patients with unstable per- or per-subtrochanteric fractures. Complications such as pseudarthrosis, necrosis or penetration of the head of femur, implant bending or breaking were not observed. The dynamic hip screw is a valid procedure for an early and weight-bearing treatment also for unstable pertrochanteric fractures of the femur with special benefits for the elderly.     

Dynamic hip screws that fail

A series of 87 trochanteric fractures of the femur treated by dynamic hip screw, was reviewed. The relationship between the position of the fracture fragments and the position of the hip screw in the femoral head was investigated. Hip screws inserted into some parts of the femoral head were more likely to cut out than others. Some fractures were undisplaced or had been perfectly reduced. A lateral radiograph of some of the others showed that the femoral head and neck were aligned with the shaft. Only among these fractures was the number of good screw placements as great as among those that were undisplaced or perfectly reduced.     

Twin hook fixation for proximal femoral fractures

PURPOSE. To report results of twin hook fixation for proximal femoral fractures in comparison to those fixed with the conventional lag screw. METHODS. Between August 2005 and July 2006, 2 men and 15 women aged 74 to 94 (mean, 85) years with proximal femoral fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the twin hook system. The tip-apex distance was compared with that in 20 patients treated with the sliding hip screw between August 2004 and July 2005. RESULTS. In the 17 patients, the hook was inserted into the centre of the femoral head. Bone union was achieved and no intra- or post-operative cut-out or device failure was encountered. In patients using the twin hook and sliding hip screw respectively, the mean tip-apex distance was 22.3 mm and 14.6 mm (p<0.001). CONCLUSION. Using the twin hook system requires more surgical skill than using the sliding hip screw, because failure to insert the pin into the centre of the femoral head risks intra-articular perforation by the hooks.     

A new device for the fixation of unstable pertrochanteric fractures of the hip

A new type of fixation device for the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures of the hip is described. The device has an axial-compression screw to allow compression along an axis parallel to the femoral shaft. As the fracture settles postoperatively, dynamic axial compression continues. This axial-compression device was used in twenty-five patients who had an unstable intertrochanteric or proximal subtrochanteric fracture of the proximal part of the femur. The average extent of axial impaction or settling was five millimeters (standard deviation, 1.3 millimeters) at the most recent follow-up examination, and the relationship between the femoral head and shaft was altered less than with the use of a conventional compression screw-plate device. A larger proportion of the patients who had the new device were able to walk fifteen meters (fifty feet) independently by the time of discharge from the hospital, even though they left the hospital earlier. No technical failures were seen in the patients who were treated with the axial-compression screw device. We believe that the axial-compression screw-plate device is appropriate for the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric fractures of the hip.     

动力加压髋螺钉取出后钉道内植骨的生物力学意义

目的：探讨动力加压髋螺钉（DHS）内固定治疗股骨上段骨折愈合后,取出DHS以后不处理的股骨上段、钉道植骨的股骨上段和完整的股骨上段的生物力学特性,为临床DHS取出术后进一步治疗提供理论依据。方法：收集16具新鲜尸体股骨标本进行实验应力分析,分别测定完整股骨上段,DHS取出后不处理的股骨上段和DHS取出后钉道内植骨股骨的股骨上段的力学特性,结果：DHS取出术后,不处理的股骨上段与完整股骨上段、DHS取出术后钉道植骨的股骨上段的力学特性相比,差异有显著性（P＜0．01）。结论：股骨颈骨折DHS治疗骨折愈合取出固定后,应在股骨上段螺钉道内植骨补强,这有利于提高股骨上段的生物学性能,便于患者早期全负荷功能锻炼,防止再骨折和髋畸形等并发症的发生。     

Developments in the treatment of fractures of the coxal end of the femur

The therapeutic concept for proximal femur fractures has changed to varying degrees from 1978 to 1988 in the Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery at Steglitz Medical Center. In general, conservative therapy has been abandoned. Alloplastic joint replacement is performed in patients with coxarthrosis in the fracture area. A head prosthesis is chosen for those with a life expectancy of less than eight years. Clearly favourable results have been achieved in our department with the Duokopf prosthesis. Patients with a higher life expectancy are submitted to a total hip endoprosthesis, preference being given in cases of collum femoris fractures to the combination of a Spotorno shaft and a Morscher acetabulum. Loading should only be partial for five weeks in patients treated with this cement-free total endoprosthesis. We use the Duokopf prosthesis in the combination of a Spotorno shaft with a Uni-Hip head. We submit these patients to full loading primarily. --We have completely abandoned Ender nailing. We prefer the dynamic hip screw for per- and intertrochanteric femur fractures. For subtrochanteric femur fractures, we use the condyl plate. For lateral collum femoris fractures we have used the four-hole angle plate until 1988. Since 1989 we also use the dynamic hip screw. The one-hole angle plate is used for osteosynthesis in cases of medial collum femoris fractures.     

Standards in der Versorgung proximaler Femurfrakturen

Epidemiology

There is a significant age-dependent increase in the incidence of proximal femur fractures. Young patients are often affected in cases of high energy trauma. Proximal femoral fractures are predominantly an injury of the elderly where the average age is approximately 80 years and 75?% are women.

Therapy

The primary aim of treatment of elderly patients is the earliest possible mobilization with full weight bearing and in young patients preservation of the hip is the primary aim (e.g. osteosynthesis and valgisation osteotomy) even after long-term dislocation. Only few non-displaced and impacted fractures can be treated conservatively. Possibilities for osteosynthesis of the proximal femur are cannulated screw fixation, dynamic hip screw and intramedullary nailing (e.g. gamma nail and proximal femoral nail).

Rehabilitation

After conservative and operative treatment of proximal femoral fractures the postoperative recovery and rehabilitation under full body weight is important and possible. Inpatient rehabilitation is meaningful to improve patient health and condition.     

Locking plates increase the strength of dynamic hip screws

INTRODUCTION: Failure of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation leads to decreased mobility of the patient and frequently to a decrease in general health. The most common mode of failure of a DHS is cut out of the lag screw from the femoral head. The second most common mode of failure is lift-off of the plate from the femur. The aim of this laboratory-based experimental study was to determine whether a DHS secured to an osteoporotic femur with a locking screw plate would provide a stronger construct than the standard DHS plate. METHOD: The standard DHS design was compared to a DHS with fixed angle locking screws holding the DHS plate to the femur. Standard dynamic compression plates (DCP) and locking compression plates (LCP) were attached to synthetic, osteoporotic bone. A load was applied to replicate the forces occurring following the fixation of unstable, intertrochanteric hip fractures. A bracket on the proximal end of the plate replicated the lag screw in the femoral head. The constructs were cyclically loaded by a screw-driven material-testing machine and the number of cycles before failure occurred was determined. RESULTS: The mean number of cycles to failure for the locking plate construct was 2.6 times greater than for the standard screw construct (285 versus 108 cycles, respectively p=0.016). CONCLUSION: A dynamic hip screw with fixed angle locking screws would reduce the risk of DHS failure. A locking screw DHS would be particularly useful in patients with osteoporotic bone, and in patients with less stable fracture configurations.     

Initial results with the AO Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS)

The report is based on a follow-up of over 54 osteosyntheses employing the Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) of the AO on the proximal femur. The patients, of an average age of 72 years, exhibited the following lesions: fractures of 7 femoral necks, 43 fractures in the pertrochanteric region, 3 reverse fractures and 1 subtrochanteric metastasis. An unstable fracture was present on 26 occasions. The follow-up, carried out personally, was done from 3 to 26 months postoperatively on 38 out of 40 patients still alive. The average age was 68 years. In not a single case was an implant failure or a protrusion of the screw into the joint observed. Technical faults were present in 4 cases (7.4%) that led in 1 case to an infection (1.85%). 37 patients (97%), of which 23 were between 70 and 90 years of age, were able to walk during the follow-up. 34 (89%) of the patients showed symmetrical, or less than 20 degrees of limited hip movement while 12 (32%) sporadically complained of slight pain or weather dependency. 2 of the 7 patients with femoral neck fractures and 4 of the remaining 47 patients with trochanteric fractures (including 1 subtrochanteric metastasis) had to be reoperated. The DHS proved to be a simple and efficient fixation device for proximal femoral fractures in the hands of ten different surgeons. The telescopic sliding of the screw enables a compulsory sintering of the fracture, without leading to penetration of the femoral head or breakage of the implant.     

Proximal femoral nail for treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures

PURPOSE: To report outcomes of 87 consecutive patients treated with a proximal femoral nail (PFN) for trochanteric femoral fractures. METHODS: 17 men and 70 women aged 58 to 95 (mean, 85) years with trochanteric femoral fractures underwent PFN fixation using an intramedullary nail, a lag screw, and a hip pin. Fractures were classified according to the AO system; the most common fracture type was A2 (n=45), followed by A1 (n=36) and A3 (n=6). The position of the lag screw within the femoral head was measured. The lateral slide of the lag screw after fracture consolidation was measured by comparing the immediate postoperative and final anteroposterior radiographs. RESULTS: 90% of lag screws were placed in an optimal position. The length of lateral slide of the lag screw in stable A1 fractures was significantly less than that in unstable A2 fractures; it was over 10 mm in 7 of 45 patients with A2 fractures. Cut-out of lag screw did not occur, suggesting that free sliding of the lag screw facilitates direct impaction between fragments. CONCLUSION: A PFN is useful for the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures.     

支撑-牵张效应对股骨转子间骨折内固定稳定的影响

股骨转子间骨折是常见的老年骨质疏松性骨折,手术内固定是首选的治疗方法,目的是利用内固定物分担髋关节传导的负荷。当前开展的研究大多围绕股骨近端的外侧壁、内侧壁、尖顶距及棘轮机制等学说,基于这些学说设计的单一头颈螺钉或双头颈螺钉的髓外、髓内设计均无法完全避免股骨头穿透的发生。根据股骨近端骨小梁的分布及骨折前后的生物力学变化...     

Osteosynthesis of unstable pertrochanteric femoral fractures with the compression hip screw

Injuries of unstable pertrochanteric fractures of the upper femur represent a contingent with high multi-morbidity at highest average age. The only successful procedures within biologically set boundaries, would be those of an early and weight-bearing resistive osteo-synthesis. Starting in 1979 till the middle of 1982, we treated 70 unstable pertrochanteric fractures out of 350 proximal femur fractures, with this compression hip screw. Because of its underlying bio-mechanical principle, its advantageous operative handling, as well as high durability of the material used, this version of an osteosynthesis showed few complications. We found neither head penetration and pseudoarthrosis, nor did we find any implant bending and breaking so far. Although averaging almost 80 years, 63% of our patients could be released after hospitalization for an average of 39 days, leaving at full mobility. The set goal of an early weight-bearing with elderly patients was fully achieved by means of this version of osteo-synthesis, since dynamic compression of even comminuted fracture zones permitted a statically sound and unhindered possibility at weight-bearing.     

A randomized study of the compression hip screw and Gamma nail in 426 fractures

A prospective, randomized study comparing the compression hip screw with the Gamma nail in the treatment of 426 intertrochanteric fractures is reported. The median patient age was 80 years, and 71% were women The compression hip screw operation took less time except in Evans Type 5 fractures. Blood loss generally was less in the compression hip screw group except in patients with Type 5 fractures. The most frequent surgical problem for patients in the Gamma group was problems with distal locking. Cephalic position of the femoral head screw and cut-out were seen more often in the Gamma nail group. The Gamma nail more frequently preserved the fracture position obtained perioperatively. Whether there was distal locking of the Gamma nail in unstable fractures did not seem to affect the healing rate. Additional fissures or fractures in the proximal femur occurred during five Gamma nail operations and two compression hip screw operations. Postoperative walking ability did not differ between the groups. At 6 months 88% of the fractures were healed. In less comminuted fractures, the compression hip screw method is the preferred method of treatment whereas the Gamma nail is an alternative treatment for more comminuted Evans Type 5 fractures.     

应用股骨近端髓内钉与动力髋(髁)螺钉治疗老年股骨转子间骨折的对比分析

[目的]比较应用股骨近端髓内钉(PFNA)与动力髋(髁)螺钉(DHS/DCS)治疗老年股骨转子间骨折的临床效果。[方法]应用股骨近端髓内钉(PFNA)治疗老年股骨转子间骨折患者49例,应用动力髋(髁)螺钉(DHS/DCS)患者62例,分别对术中出血量、手术时间、术中和术后并发症、术后髋关节功能评分进行比较分析。[结果]DHS组手术方式出血量显著高于PFNA组(P<0.05),术后并发症显著少于DHS/DCS组(P<0.05),髋关节功能(Harris评分)优良率显著高于DHS/DCS组(P<0.05)。[结论]多数情况下,股骨近端髓内钉(PFNA)在治疗老年股骨转子间骨折时较动力髋(髁)螺钉(DHS/DCS)具有显著优势。     

Failure of intertrochanteric fracture fixation with a dynamic hip screw in relation to pre-operative fracture stability and osteoporosis

We have reviewed 178 intertrochanteric fractures treated by dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation between March 1995 and December 1999 and followed for a minimum of 1 year. We used Singh's classification of the trabecular bone structure in the proximal femur as a measure of osteoporosis and also classified the fractures according to three different systems (Boyd-Griffin, Evans, AO). The postoperative radiographs were examined for loss of reduction, i.e. varus angulation >100, perforation of the femoral head, more than 20-mm extrusion of a lag screw or metal failure. We found 49 cases which showed radiographic failures. Two were stable fractures and 47 unstable fractures (Evans' classification). Unstable fractures with osteoporosis had a failure rate of more than 50%. In such cases DHS should not be the first choice for treatment.     

Femoral head stress fracture: an unknown complication following Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy

Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy, as a treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, has variable success rates. Its known complications include: progressive varus deformity, femoral neck fracture, and femoral head collapse. However, femoral head stress fracture has not been described as a complication of Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy. This article presents cases of 2 of 64 patients who underwent Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy between 1994 and 2006 and experienced femoral head stress fractures. Both patients were young and active. They presented with acute inability to bear weight and pain on the operated hip after mountain climbing 1 and a half to 3 years following the index surgery. Diagnosis of femoral head stress fracture was established by the presence of an inferolaterally-directed vertical fracture line from the superolateral aspect of the femoral head on computed tomography scans for both patients. One patient was successfully managed with conservative measures, whereas the other underwent total hip replacement after failed conservative treatment. We hypothesize that the direction alteration of the trabecular system due to proximal femoral segment rotation, varus positioning of the proximal femur, and inadequate placement of the screw into the necrotic femoral head may have caused the femoral head stress fractures after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomies. Stress fracture of the femoral head is a potential complication following Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, which may be prevented by avoiding heavy exercises such as mountain climbing, until adequate remodeling of the trabecular system is gained and screws can be inserted into the femoral head subchondral bone as deeply as possible with avoidance of the necrotic area.     

Dynamic internal fixation of the periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total hip arthroplasty are a big orthopaedic problem, particularly in elderly patients and quite a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. There is no universal method in treating these fractures. Rigid plates fixation can be limited and aggravated especially in the proximal part of the femur where the endoprosthesis stem does not allow for an undisturbed fixation of both femur cortexes by means of screws. Mitkovic's dynamic internal fixator is an original implant allowing for an undisturbed fixation of both femur cortexes regardless of the presence of the endoprosthesis stem. Fixation is made possible by means of movable clamps and a convergent possibility to place screws. A dynamic internal fixator can fix all types of periprosthetic femoral fractures. The paper shows the early experience in fixating periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty in 14 patients, average age 69.7. According to Vancouver classification, 3 patients had the type A fracture, 9 patients had the type B fracture, and 2 patients had the type C fracture. All fractures were fixed by Mitkovic's dynamic internal fixator. The fracture occurred 2-12 years after primary total hip arthroplasty. The follow-up of the operated patients was 12 months. The method is less invasive than the methods described in books. Mechanical complications are not likely to appear due to the fracture dynamics along the femoral shaft axis, which is made possible by this implant. Our initial experience in femur fracture fixation after hip arthroplasty ahows that it is modern and effective dynamic implant which will contribute significantly to the improving of the treatment of these often very complicated fractures.     

One-way compression along the femoral shaft with the Medoff sliding plate:The first European experience of 104 intertrochanteric fractures with a 1-year follow-up

This is an assessment of a new device for treatment of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. The Medoff sliding plate (MSP) allows compression in 3 different modes: along the femoral shaft, along the femoral neck or a combination of both. In this prospective series of 104 consecutive intertrochanteric fractures, dynamic compression was allowed only along the femoral shaft. Simple undislocated intertrochanteric 2-part fractures were excluded. The patients were followed clinically and radio-graphically for 1 year. 21 patients died within 1 year after the operation. 7 technical failures including 2 non-unions occurred. All were lag screw penetrations, 4 of which were considered to be due to unforced errors by the surgeons.

The technical failure rate in this preliminary evaluation of the MSP is similar to that of the dynamic hip screw. Randomized trials comparing the MSP with other hip screw systems should follow to ascertain possible advantages of the MSP, with its various sliding modes in different types of fractures of the proximal femur.     

Intertrochanteric fractures of the hip treated with the hip compression screw: analysis of problems.

Seventy-five patients were treated for intertrochanteric hip fractures with the hip compression screw. There were 4 cases in which the lag screw was inserted twice into the femoral head. Three of these patients had a poor result due to superolateral migration and extrusion of the lag screw. The fact that the lag screw is large in comparison to the femoral head makes double placement dangerous. Satisfactory guide wire placement is essential for a one time, precise insertion of the lag screw into the femoral head. The use of a threaded tip guide wire minimizes the chance of it falling out when withdrawing the reamer or tap. If the position of a lag screw is unacceptable, it seems better to insert a flanged nail rather than a second screw in a second track.     

Treatment options for basicervical fractures of the femoral neck. A clinical follow-up

Forty basicervical fractures of the femur were treated operatively. Local complications were recorded in 8 cases. In this mostly geriatric group of patients only 18 patients were alive after a mean follow-up of 63 months. Five of the 19 hips showed excellent results. Eight hips were evaluated as poor. No radiological signs of osteonecrosis were observed. Only one nonunion and one delayed union were noted. Surprisingly, the rigid nailplate (ASIF, Jewet) fixation appeared superior to the more up-to-date means of fixation, i.e. the dynamic hip screw. Although the material is limited and heterogenous owing to the relatively few numbers of basicervical fractures in the large entity of the femoral neck fractures in general, this difference was obvious and merits technical consideration. Due to its conical shape the dynamic hip screw is most obviously unstable in rotary stresses, and an additional cancellous screw would probably solve this problem. Some fractures of the series were treated by multiple pins, hemiarthroplasty or Ender nails. The number of cases so treated was small, but still notable for local complications. Thus it remains questionable whether these methods would result in a better response even with more common clinical use, when this special entity of femoral neck fractures is considered.