Predicting the prognosis after proximal femoral fracture.

In 338 patients with proximal femoral fractures, age, sex, residence and mobility on admission were found to predict mortality, mobility and housing requirements after 1 year. Application of these data should permit better targeting of rehabilitation and earlier initiation of rehousing arrangements after proximal femoral fracture.     

Predicting length of stay after proximal femoral endoprosthetic replacement for oncological conditions

BackgroundEndoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur plays a vital role in managing metastatic and primary bone tumours¹. Length of stay (LOS) has important resource implications but is driven by patient and disease factors over and above the procedure itself. The aim of this project was to identify factors that drive LOS in patients undergoing proximal femoral replacement (PFR).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of clinical records from a single centre (RNOH). 144 cases were identified over a 4 year-period. These were divided into 3 diagnostic categories: primary bone tumour with chemotherapy, primary bone tumour without chemotherapy and metastatic bone disease. Several factors were considered that could influence the length of stay including age, ASA grade, gender, admission to the high dependency unit (HDU), diagnosis, saving the greater trochanter, pre-operative radiotherapy, admission with a fracture and return to theatre.ResultsThe median LOS for PFR was 15 days, with 79% admitted to HDU. LOS was almost doubled for patients returning to theatre (P = 0.04). Patients with ASA grades of 3 and 4 had a 75% longer LOS compared to those with grade 1. Additionally, a 10-year increase in age was associated with a 6–8% increase in LOS. Incorporating these factors produced a model which explained 27% of the variability of LOS.ConclusionMajority of the variables which were tested were significantly associated with LOS. However, factors other than those in our model drive length of stay. This analysis can support conversations with patients and service planning around LOS.     

Evaluation of proximal femoral geometry using digital photographs

The morphologic features of the proximal femur are used in preoperative planning prior to total hip arthroplasty. Recent literature evaluating the anatomy of the proximal femur, as it relates to total hip arthroplasty, has relied heavily on radiographs or computed tomography. We used digital photographs to compare 200 cadaveric femora in individuals who died prior to 40 years of age: 25 African‐American males, 25 African‐American females, 25 Caucasian males, 25 Caucasian females. With our technique and definition, the actual angles and dimensions of the proximal femur that we normally rely on during total hip arthroplasty were measured. There were small, but statistically significant differences, between males and females in neck‐shaft angle, neck inclination, and absolute horizontal and vertical offset. Females tended to have a lower neck‐shaft angle and more neck inclination. When standardizing the offset distances with femoral head diameter, the horizontal offset ratio was higher in female specimens. There was no correlation between horizontal and vertical offset. Improved knowledge of the morphology of the proximal femora will assist the surgeon in restoring the geometry of the proximal femur during total hip arthroplasty. This information also supports the concept of modularity of the femoral neck in order to independently adjust neck‐shaft angle, neck inclination, and horizontal offset. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1399–1404, 2010     

Management of subtrochanteric femoral fractures and metastases using long proximal femoral nail

We report our initial experience with a new reconstruction nail, the long proximal femoral nail (L.PFN), in the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures and metastases. We performed 52 L.PFN in 49 patients over a period of 18 months with an average follow-up period of 47.7 weeks. Group I consisted of 24 patients, who had L.PFN for traumatic subtrochanteric femoral fractures. Group II consisted of 25 patients, who had L.PFN for femoral metastases and pathological fractures. (Three bilateral.) In nine patients in group I, the fracture was extending to the intertrochnateric region with involvement of the piriformis fossa. Eight patients in group I had open reduction and cerclage cabling of the fracture prior to L.PFN. All the traumatic fractures in group I had united with an average time to union of 19.4 weeks. In eight operations there were technical difficulties with the insertion of proximal locking screws. Five patients in our series had complications but we had no mechanical failures of the implant. L.PFN is a reliable implant for subtrochanteric femoral fractures and metastases. We also showed that open reduction and cerclage cabling of unstable subtrochanteric fractures prior to nailing was not detrimental to fracture healing in our series.     

A comparison of mechanical strength of the femoral neck following locked intramedullary nailing using oblique versus transverse proximal screws

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine whether the 130-degree oblique or transverse proximal locking technique significantly enhances or diminishes the strength of the intramedullary nail-to-bone construct in a "stancelike" loading configuration. DESIGN: Six paired fresh frozen femora were randomized to locked intramedullary nailing with either the 130-degree proximal locking technique or the transverse locking technique and tested in axial compressive loading. Torsion, shear, and impact loading were not tested. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Six paired adult fresh frozen cadavers. INTERVENTION: An unreamed eleven-millimeter by thirty-eight-centimeter intramedullary nail was placed under direct visualization in each femur. Proximal locking was randomly performed on each pair with either two transverse screws or a single oblique screw. Each femur was loaded to failure at a rate of 50.8 millimeters per minute (two inches per minute) by using an Instron tensiometer. Radiographs after nail insertion and after failure were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Load to fracture and fracture pattern. RESULTS: A significant difference between load to fracture was observed across femora of different donors (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in paired femora from the same donor when using either 130-degree or transverse proximal locking (p > 0.05). This result was based on nonanatomical axial loading that approximated loading during stance, without hip abductor loads to help stabilize the femur. CONCLUSION: Neither technique preferentially predisposed the construct to failure for the loading pattern tested. The mode of failure was the same in all cases, with failure beginning at the nail insertion site.     

加长型股骨近端髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折

股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折多为高能量损伤所致,发生率约为1%～6%[1-3].对于这种复合型损伤诊断困难,容易漏诊,且治疗方法尚未统一.从2004年8月至2006年5月,我科应用加长型股骨近端髓内钉(A0/ASIF.proximal femoralnal-long,PFN-long)治疗股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折17例,效果满意,报告如下.     

The treatment of proximal femoral fractures using the interlocking nail

The good result hoped for with interlocking nailing of the proximal part of the femoral shaft is only possible when precise diagnosis is of the fracture form is made with reference to informative X-rays and a meticulous operative technique is observed. Therefore, positioning of the patient on an extension table, the repositioning of the bone, the choice of the insertion point for the nail, and careful drilling are of the utmost important. All follow-up examinations conducted in 42 patients, we found good or very good results in 32 cases, satisfactory results in 7, and poor results in 3.     

Stabilization of proximal femoral fractures using the compression and sliding screw

Between 1979 and 1983 we treated 169 fractures with a sliding compression hip screw out of 402 operated fractures of the upper femur. The indication for this method included all types of proximal femoral fractures. In case of instable trochanteric fractures convincing results of treatment could be achieved because of early weight bearing. As complications could be found in two cases loss of fixation. The mortality rate was 17.8 per cent. Still 2/3 of the injured with an average age of 76.2 years could leave the hospital walking on their own after an average stay of 37.6 days.     

Radiographic appearance and structural properties of proximal femoral bone in total hip arthroplasty patients

The relationship between the morphology of the proximal femur and the physical properties of intertrochanteric trabecular bone was assessed in 26 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Significant correlations were found between ash density and (1) Singh index, (2) “calcar-to-canal isthmus ratio,” and (3) a modified “morphologic cortical index.” Despite this, these radiographic indices accounted for only 30% of the variability in bone density and are therefore of limited predictive value in this context. Two indices of cortical morphology were at least as effective as the Singh index in predicting cancellous bone density. Surgeons using these indices to quantify the morphology and structure of proximal femoral bone should be aware of their limitations when selecting patients for cementless arthroplasty.     

Distal femoral allograft for massive proximal femoral deficiency

Background?Although indomethacin is effective in preventing heterotopic ossification (HO) after primary total hip arthroplasty, side effects are frequently observed. In the last decade a new class of drugs—the COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—has been developed. To investigate the effect of these COX-2 selective NSAIDs on heterotopic ossification (HO) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), we conducted a randomized controlled trial using either indomethacin or rofecoxib for 7 days.

Methods?186 patients received either indomethacin 3 times daily, or rofecoxib twice, and 1 placebo, daily for 7 days. HO was graded according to the 1-year postoperative radiographs according to the Brooker classification.

Results?12 of the 186 patients included discontinued their medication before the end of the trial due to side effects. The remaining 174 patients were included in the analysis. In the indomethacin group (n = 89), 77 patients (87%) showed no HO, 9 showed HO of grade 1 and 3 showed HO of grade 2 according to the Brooker classification. In the rofecoxib group (n = 85) 73 patients (86%) showed no ossification, 9 showed grade 1, and 3 showed grade 2.

Interpretation?The prophylactic effect of rofecoxib for 7 days in preventing heteropic ossification after primary total hip arthroplasty is comparable to the effect of indomethacin given for 7 days. These results indicate that the development of HO follows a COX-2 pathway.     

防旋股骨近端髓内针与股骨近端解剖锁定钢板治疗转子间骨折的疗效比较

目的探讨防旋股骨近端髓内针(PFNA)和股骨近端解剖锁定钢板(LPFP)治疗股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效。方法 老年股骨转子间骨折患者61例,分别采用PFNA(A组,31例)和LPFP进行手术治疗(B组,30例)。观察并比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后下地活动时间及术后髋关节功能Harris评分。结果 61例患者均获随访,时间10~23个月。两种手术方法手术时间、术中出血量、术后下地活动时间及术后1个月的髋关节评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),术后3个月及术后1年髋关节评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论两种方法均适用于转子间骨折,PFNA相对于LPFP具有手术时间短、术中出血少、术后髋关节功能恢复快等优点。     

Long proximal femoral nails versus short proximal femoral nails for the management of proximal femoral fractures: a retrospective study of 124 patients

The objective of this study is to compare the results of the Long Proximal Femoral Nail versus Short Proximal Femoral Nail in the management of proximal femoral fractures. This is a retrospective study of 124 patients with proximal femoral fracture in adult age group treated with Long Proximal Femoral Nail and Short Proximal Femoral Nail and followed up for minimum period of 6 months at last follow-up. Pain, walking ability, complications, revision surgery, and Harris Hip Score are seen in final follow-up. The conclusion of the study is that complications of Short Proximal Femoral Nail like thigh pain and femoral shaft fracture distal to the nail tips are mostly prevented by the use of Long Proximal Femoral Nail.     

Massive proximal femoral osteoarticular allograft

The implantation of massive allografts is a reconstruction alternative after limb salvage for aggressive bone tumours. It is hoped that durable long-term results can be obtained with these biological reconstructions. Revitalization of the allografts is one of the most important factors with regard to durability. One massive proximal femoral osteoarticular allograft is described that was followed up for 22 years. Twenty-one years after the implantation, a traumatic fracture in the middle of the allograft occurred, and formation of massive callus showed that revitalization even in the central parts of massive allografts is sufficient for fracture healing. This is why it may be justified to expect long-lasting results.     

股骨近端防旋髓内钉和股骨近端锁定钢板治疗股骨转子间骨折疗效比较

目的：比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉（PFNA）与股骨近端锁定钢板（PFLCP）内固定治疗股骨转子间骨折的疗效。方法70例股骨转子间骨折患者按治疗方法分为两组：采用 PFNA 治疗30例、PFLCP 治疗40例。比较两组切口长度、术中出血量、手术时间、术后下地时间、骨折愈合时间、优良率。结果70例均获随访,时间为6～24个月。两组切口长度、术中出血量、手术时间、术后下地时间比较差异均有统计学意义（P ＜0．05）;两组骨折愈合时间及优良率比较差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）。结论应用 PFNA 与 PFLCP 治疗股骨转子间骨折均能获得良好疗效。应用 PFNA 在切口长度、术中出血量、手术时间、术后下地时间方面优于 PFLCP,应用 PFLCP 治疗合并有严重骨质疏松或股骨颈内侧皮质的股骨转子间骨折优于 PFNA。     

防旋股骨近端髓内钉与股骨近端锁定钢板治疗股骨转子间骨折疗效比较

目的比较使用防旋股骨近端髓内钉(PFNA)和股骨近端锁定钢板(PFLP)治疗股骨转子间骨折的疗效。方法对50例股骨转子间骨折患者采用PFNA治疗25例、PFLP治疗25例。观察两组切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、住院天数、术后引流量、术后Hb下降情况、术后输血量、术后扶拐下地负重时间及骨折愈合时间,按髋关节Harris评分评价两组术后疗效,并进行统计学分析。结果 50例患者均获得随访,时间12~20(18.8±5.6)个月。两组在切口长度、住院天数、术后引流量及骨折愈合时间、髋关节Harris评分各项比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);两组在手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、术后Hb下降情况、术后输血量及术后下地扶拐负重时间各项比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PFNA及PFLP内固定均是治疗股骨转子间骨折的有效方法。PFLP可明显减少术中、术后输血量;PFNA相对手术时间短、扶拐行走时间早。     

Diversity of proximal femoral medullary canal

To analyze the endosteal dimensions of the proximal femoral medullary canal, we studied 50 cadaver femora using computed tomography and a border detection method from 20 mm above the lesser trochanter, the osteotomy level, down to the isthmus. We documented the presence of a dense calcar septum in 96% of femora studied. In addition to mediolateral, anteroposterior, and neck-oriented dimensions, we calculated canal flare indices (CFIs) between the osteotomy level and the isthmus and metaphyseal canal flare indices (MCFIs) between the osteotomy level and the level 20 mm below the lesser trochanter midpoint to describe the shape of the endosteal cavity. With respect to the canal opening, the anteroposterior and mediolateral planes parallelled each other over the entire region as indicated by the high correlation (r = .7, P < .001) between the CFIs in these directions. The prediction of one dimension from another was unreliable in the metaphyseal region, where bone ingrowth is supposed to occur in a femoral prosthesis. The MCFI seemed to be the best parameter to distinguish the various types of proximal femoral canal shapes. We have described the variability of the proximal femoral endosteal dimensions in detail and find that the wide variation in the shape and size of the proximal femoral medullary canal means that it is almost impossible to achieve 100% cortical contact with the stem, especially in the metaphysis.     

Antibiotic prophylaxis in proximal femoral fracture

A prospective randomized double-blind trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of one dose of prophylactic cefuroxime versus placebo in 502 patients who underwent surgery for a proximal femoral fracture. With an overall deep infection rate of 2.2 per cent there was no significant difference in the superficial or deep wound infection rate between the two groups. However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative bacteriuria in the cefuroxime group. A study of three doses of cefuroxime versus placebo is now proposed.