Risk factors of fixation failure in basicervical femoral neck fracture: Which device is optimal for fixation?

BackgroundBasicervical femur neck fracture (FNF) is a rare type of fracture, and is associated with increased risk of fixation failure due to its inherent instability. The purpose of this study was (1) to investigate the incidence of fixation failure and (2) to determine risk factors for fixation failure in basicervical FNF after internal fixation.MethodsTo identify basicervical FNF with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, we retrospectively reviewed records of 3217 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery from May 2003 to March 2016. Among the identified 77 patients with basicervical FNF, 69 patients were followed up for at least 12 months. We evaluated the rate of collapse of fracture site and reoperation due to fixation failure. We performed a multivariable analysis to determine risk factors associated with fracture site collapse and fixation failure.ResultsAmong the 69 patients with basicervical FNF, 17 (24.6%) showed collapse of fracture site, and 6 (8.6%) underwent conversion to arthroplasty because of fixation failure. In the multivariable analysis, use of extramedullary plating with a sliding hip screw was an independent significant risk factor for both collapse of fracture site (odds ratio 6.84; 95% confidence interval 1.91–24.5, p = 0.003) and fixation failure (odds ratio 12.2; 95% confidence interval 1.08–137.7, p = 0.042).ConclusionsBasicervical FNF treated with extramedullary plate with a sliding hip screw is more likely to fail than that treated with intramedullary nail with a helical blade. Our results suggested that intramedullary nail with a helical blade is more recommended for basicervical FNF compared with extramedullary plate with a sliding hip screw.Level of evidenceIII, Retrospective cohort study.     

Basicervical fracture – a rare type of hip fracture

Basicervical fracture is a controversial type of hip fracture, which can be regarded as either extracapsular or intracapsular. It is seldom mentioned in the authorized orthopaedic textbooks, and it lacks an exact definition in the most commonly used classifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of basicervical hip fractures and the methods of treating them in a prospective series of 1624 consecutive hip fractures. Standardized forms were used to collect information, including the classification of fracture types. Initially, 108 fractures were classified as basicervical, but a careful second-look check revealed that 51 were transcervical fractures, while 27 fractures had a trochanteric extension. Thus, 30 of the fractures fulfilled the criteria of basicervical fracture (rate 1.8%). The 14 fractures treated as extracapsular fractures (dynamic hip screw, DHS, or gamma nail) showed a better outcome than the 16 treated as intracapsular fractures (hemiarthroplasty or screw osteosynthesis). We conclude that basicervical fracture of the hip is a very uncommon entity, but it is worth considering and should be treated as a trochanteric fracture.     

Comparison of a sliding hip screw with a trochanteric lateral support plate to an intramedullary hip screw for fixation of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND: The lateral trochanteric support plate (LSP) was developed to prevent excessive sliding of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures fixed with a sliding hip screw (SHS). This study compared the fracture stability and screw sliding characteristics of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures fixed with either an SHS and LSP or an Intramedullary Hip Screw (IMHS). METHODS: Six matched pairs of cadaveric human femurs with simulated, unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures were stabilized with either an IMHS or a 135-degree SHS with an attached LSP. Inferior and lateral head displacements and lag screw sliding distances were measured for applied static loads of 750 N, before and after cycling. RESULTS: Four-part unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures showed comparable screw sliding characteristics and stability whether instrumented with an SHS and LSP or an IMHS. CONCLUSION: A sliding hip screw with an attached lateral support plate provides stability and ability to resist medial displacement of the femoral shaft similar to that seen with the IMHS.     

Dual lag screw cephalomedullary nail versus the classic sliding hip screw for the stabilization of intertrochanteric fractures. A prospective randomized study

This study is a randomized prospective study comparing two fracture fixation implants, the extramedullary sliding hip screw (SHS) and the dual lag screw cephalomedullary nail, in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly. One hundred and sixty-five patients with low-energy intertrochanteric fractures, classified as AO/OTA 31A, were prospectively included during a 2-year period (2005–2006). Patients were randomized into two groups: group A included 79 hip fractures managed with sliding hip screws and group B included 86 fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails. Delay to surgery, duration of surgery, time of fluoroscopy, total hospital stay, implant-related complications, transfusion requirements, re-operation details, functional recovery, and mortality were recorded. The mean follow-up was 36 months (24–56 months). The mean surgical time was statistically significantly shorter and fluoroscopy time longer for the group B. No intraoperative femoral shaft fractures occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional recovery score, reoperation, and mortality rates between the 2 groups. A new type of complication, the so-called Z-effect phenomenon, was noticed in the cephalomedullary nail group. There are no statistically significant differences between the two techniques in terms of type and rate of complications, functional outcome, reoperation and mortality rates when comparing the SHS and the cephalomedullary nail for low-energy AO/OTA 31A intertrochanteric fractures. Our data do not support recommendations for the use of one implant over the other.     

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.     

Risk factors for cut-out of double lag screw fixation in proximal femoral fractures

ObjectiveWe assessed factors associated with cut-out after internal fixation of proximal femoral fractures using double lag screw nails.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA university hospital.Patients and methodsPatients with non-pathological intertrochanteric femur fractures and a minumum 90 days follow-up who underwent internal fixation with dual lag screw nails were included. Potential risk factors for lag screw cut-out investigated by our study were: age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification), type of fracture (AO/OTA classification), fracture stability, side, operation time, implant length, reduction quality, tip-apex distance (TAD), and lag screw configuration. Logistic regression was used to investigate potential predictors of screw cut-out.ResultsEighty-five of the 118 patients with hip fractures treated between February 2010 and November 2013 at our institution met the inclusion criteria for the study. Fifty-eight patients were female (68.2%), mean age was 77.4 (range: 50–95 years), mean follow up was 380 days (range: 150 days-2.5 years), and cut of was observed in 9 patients (10.5%). The following variables identified through univariate analysis with p < 0.2 were included in multivariant logistic regression model: age, side, reduction quality, implant length, TAD and ASA score. Only TAD (p = 0.003) was found to be significant in the multivariant model.ConclusionsOur study confirmed that risk factors for cut-out with single-lag screw devices are also applicable to dual-lag screw implants. We found that TAD was a significant factor for cut-out in dual-lag screw implants. Thus, screw cut-out can be minimized by optimizing screw position.     

Basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures: an analysis of radiographic and functional outcomes

This retrospective study compared the long-term stability and functional outcomes of basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures, and evaluated the use of an additional derotational screw in the treatment of basicervical fractures. Sixty-six patients (28 with basicervical fractures and 38 treated for stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures) were identified. All intertrochanteric fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw. Basicervical fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw with or without a derotational screw. Radiographically measured fracture collapse and tip-apex distance were measured at least 6 weeks after surgery; SF-36 score and Functional Recovery Score data was collected at least 1 year after surgery. The proportion of fractures with > 10% collapse was significantly greater in the basicervical group than the subset of stable intertrochanteric fractures (P = .009), but not than the subset of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The mean SF-36 bodily pain section domain was greater (less pain) in the basicervical group than the unstable intertrochanteric group (P = .02). No other significant differences in SF-36 scores were noted between the basicervical and either intertrochanteric group. Basicervical fractures collapse more than stable intertrochanteric fractures, suggesting that they may have greater biomechanical instability. This instability, however, does not translate into clinically significant decreases in functional outcome. Using a derotational screw with a sliding hip screw does not affect fracture stability or clinical outcome.     

Clinical results of unstable intertrochanteric fracture treated by dynamic hip screw with tension band wire reinforcement

Although intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur are commonly seen in geriatric patients, their treatments remain challenging for most orthopedic surgeons. Dynamic hip screws (DHSs) with slide plating have become the golden standard for treating these difficult fractures. The goals of lateral wall buttress reconstruction and stable fixation are to promote early ambulation and partial weight bearing, which in turn minimizes possible morbidity. Intertrochanteric fractures, especially those that are unstable, when fixed with DHSs alone will often result in significant medial displacement of the shaft, secondary to excessive sliding of lag screws within the barrel and a higher incidence of lag screw cut-out. Fixation with an additional trochanter stabilizing plate (TSP) superimposed on the regular DHSs has recently gained wide advocacy among authors. However, TSP is expensive. To overcome problems with medial displacement of the shaft, excessive head-neck fragment collapse, and excessive sliding of lag screws within the barrel and lag screw cut-out, and to reduce the cost of TSP as well, we treated 2 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures by fixing the fractures with dynamic hip screws reinforced by tension band wiring. Both patients had good results without complications. The final outcomes were comparable to those of fractures fixed with DHSs and supported by TSP, but the cost was markedly lower. Additionally, complications from lateralization of the greater trochanter were significantly prevented. Our method of DHS fixation with tension band wiring reinforcement may be beneficial for patients with unstable osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures.     

Optimizing fixation methods for stable and unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with sliding hip screw or cephalomedullary nailing: A comparative biomechanical and finite element analysis study

BackgroundDespite recent advances in implants and surgical techniques, catastrophic and clinical failures in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures continue to occur, with dire consequences in an overall frail population subset. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of the factors under the surgeons’ control, namely fracture reduction and implant selection, on the biomechanical behavior of fracture fixation constructs.Material-MethodsAn experimental protocol was conducted with the use of instrumented sawbones, in order to validate the finite element models. The implants used were the Gamma3®and DHS systems. Subsequently, a series of scenaria were considered, including various reduction and implant angle combinations. Data were retrieved concerning the peak cancellous bone stresses around the hip screw and the volume of cancellous bone in the femoral head stressed at critical levels, as well as implant stresses and stresses on the cortical bone of the distal fragment.ResultsAll stable fracture models displayed significantly decreased cancellous bone stresses and implant stresses compared to their unstable counterparts, regardless of implant used. The effect of increasing implant angle led to a decrease in implant stresses in all models studied, but had a beneficial effect on the stresses in the cancellous bone of the proximal fragment only in the subgroups of stable fractures with both implants and unstable fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail (CMN). In unstable fractures anatomically reduced, the use of CMN led to significantly lower peak stresses in the cancellous bone and a smaller volume of bone stressed at critical levels. Increasing the reduction angle by 5 ° led to a significant decrease in both peak stresses and volume of bone stressed at critical levels, more prominent in the sliding hip screw (SHS) models. Decreasing the reduction angle into varus by 5 or 10 ° led to a significant increase in bone and implant stresses regardless of implant used.ConclusionsIn stable two-part (AO31.A2) fractures the use of the SHS appears to be biomechanically equivalent to CMN. In unstable, anatomically reduced fractures, the use of CMN leads to significantly reduced cancellous bone stresses and decreased rotation of the proximal fragment during loading.A reduction in varus should be avoided at all costs. In unstable fractures treated with SHS a reduction in slight valgus appears to be biomechanically beneficial. The highest implant angle that allows for proper screw position and trajectory in the femoral head should be used for stable fractures with both implants and unstable fractures treated with Gamma3®.     

Quality of life,walking ability and change of living situation after trochanteric femur fracture in geriatric patients–Comparison between sliding hip screw and cephalomedullary nails from the registry for geriatric trauma

BackgroundThere is no well-established gold standard for treating trochanteric femur fractures in the elderly. The two common treatment options are cephalomedullary nails (CMN) and sliding hip screws (SHS). In this study, treatment using CMN and SHS were compared for a cohort of patients older than 70 years of age: The main outcomes were quality of life and main residence after surgery.MethodsIn this retrospective study we analyzed 24,919 patients from 100 hospitals, treated between 2016 and 2019 and documented in the Registry for Geriatric Trauma. The impact of CMN vs. SHS on the walking ability, quality of life (QoL), living situation, mortality, and revision rate were analyzed. To analyze the change of the living situation, the main residence 120 days after surgery for patients, who lived in their own home before fracture, was described for both groups.FindingsA total of 10,995 patients could be included of which 10,436 patients were treated with CMN and 369 patients with SHS. 120 days postoperative the QoL differed significantly (p = 0.020) in favor of treatment using CMN. 26% of the SHS group who lived at home prior to surgery had to reside in a nursing home after surgery, whereas the rate was only 18% in the CMN group (p < 0.001). No significant difference in the mortality rate nor a difference in the walking ability 120 days postoperative were found. CMN were implanted more promptly (median: 13.9 vs. 18.4 hours; p < 0,001). No differences were found concerning the revision rate between the two groups, neither during inpatient treatment (p = 0.723) nor during the 120 day follow-up period (p = 0.524).InterpretationThere might be a benefit for geriatric patients with trochanteric femur fractures to be treated with a proximal femur nail in regard to a higher QoL and a reduced institutionalization rate. Mortality or revision rate was not affected by the chosen implant.     

A biomechanical analysis of the sliding hip screw: the question of plate angle

There is general agreement that the implant of choice for intertrochanteric fractures is the sliding hip screw (SHS). However, considerable differences of opinion exist as to which plate angle--varying from 130 to 150 degrees--is preferred. Thus far there has been no cadaver-based biomechanical analysis of this problem. To examine these questions, we determined the effect of plate angle on plate strain and proximal medial femoral strain distribution in cadaver femurs fixed with 130, 135, 140, 145, and 150 degrees SHS after experimentally produced stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Twenty-four fresh adult cadaver femurs were assigned randomly to either the 130, 135, 140, 145, or 150 degrees SHS group. Each femur was radiographed and bone mineral density was determined by dual-photon absorptiometry. Multiple-strain gauges were affixed to the femur, with specific focus on the proximal femur and plate. Femurs were loaded at 25 degrees adduction in increments of 70 N from 0 to 1,800 N in a servohydraulic testing machine. Femurs were tested in a progressive manner: (a) intact femur; (b) intact femur with SHS inserted; (c) a stable two-part intertrochanteric fracture reduced with SHS; (d) a four-part fracture with the posteromedial fragment (PMF) reduced anatomically by a lag screw; (e) the same fracture with the PMF rotated 180 degrees and held in place by a lag screw to approximate a "near-anatomic" reduction; and (f) the same fracture with the PMF discarded. Screw sliding measurements were determined at regular intervals throughout each test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Helical blade vs telescoping lag screw for intertrochanteric fracture fixation

The purpose of this study was to compare fixation stability and lag screw sliding characteristics between 2 different hip-nail lag screw designs, a telescoping screwbarrel and a solid helical blade. Simulated, unstable, 4-part intertrochanteric hip fractures were created in 6 pairs of cadaveric femurs. Each nail type was randomly assigned within each femur pair. Lag screw sliding and inferior and lateral head displacements were measured following an applied static load of 750 N. Measurements were obtained before, during, and after cyclical loading with 750 N for 105 cycles. Ultimate failure strength was determined. After considering inferior head displacements, no significant differences between the 2 screw designs were found. Mean head displacement for the helical screw was 2.18 mm, compared with 1.87 mm for the telescoping screw (P = .731). A significant difference in the amount of lateral movement of the lag screws was found, however. The helical lag screws had mean lateral sliding of 2.68 mm, compared with 0.25 mm for the telescoping screws (P = .007). Neither of the lag screw constructs failed by screw cutout from the head. Both screw designs provide similar fixation strength for stabilization of 4-part intertrochanteric fractures. Both the telescoping lag screw and the helical blade facilitate fracture collapse, but the telescoping lag screw also minimizes lateral projection of the screw from the nail. This advantage may help minimize postoperative lateral soft-tissue impingement.     

The effect of an attachable lateral support plate on the stability of intertrochanteric fracture fixation with a sliding hip screw

BACKGROUND: Use of a sliding hip screw (SHS) alone for some unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures can allow excessive medial shaft displacement during impaction. This study evaluated the effect of an attachable lateral support plate on these fractures after loading. METHODS: Unstable, three-part intertrochanteric fractures were created in 10 matched pairs of embalmed femurs that were instrumented with 135-degree SHSs with or without an attachable lateral support plate. Under physiologic loading, inferior and lateral head displacements and lag screw sliding distances were measured. RESULTS: After 10,000 cycles at 750 N, all measurements for femurs with the lateral support plate were significantly less than for the femurs with the SHS alone: mean lateral difference was 1.7 mm (34%) (p < 0.05), mean inferior difference was 3.0 mm (38%) (p < 0.05), and mean lag screw sliding difference was 4.5 mm (58%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of an attachable lateral support plate to an SHS significantly decreased displacement of the femoral head after cyclic loading.     

Medial migration of lag screw after gamma nailing

Fractures of the proximal femur are common in the elderly population. Intramedullary nailing has become the standard treatment for intertrochanteric fractures although several extramedullary implants (e.g. dynamic hip screw (DHS), blade plate, locking compression plate (LCP), etc.) exist. However, despite this being a very common operation in traumatology, there are numerous associated complications. We report the rare complication of the migration of the medial lag screw into the pelvis at five and a half weeks postoperatively. The implant was removed and replaced by a total hip arthroplasty with simultaneous grafting of the acetabular defect and strapping of the greater trochanter. The evolution was favourable. We also present a review of the literature and analyze our case.     

How to place a cephalomedullary screw when visualization is obscured by the jig in peritrochanteric hip fractures using “peek radiographs.”

Lag screw positioning can be difficult to discern intraoperatively on lateral fluoroscopic imaging during intramedullary fixation of proximal femur fractures in some nailing systems due to the drill guide handle obstructing the view. We have described a method of obtaining non-obstructed lateral-oblique “peek” views that reliably assist in obtaining adequate tip-apex distance (TAD) measurements when using intramedullary fixation for these fractures. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe an intraoperative radiographic technique to obtain non-obscured views for appropriate center-center placement of the lag screw(s) within the femoral head during jig-aided cephalomedullary nailing of peritrochanteric hip fractures and (2) to present a case series detailing the radiographic results using this technique. This clinical series of sixty-five patients with intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric proximal femur fractures stabilized with a cephalomedullary nail had an average TAD of 15.1 ± 3.3mm (range: 9.4mm–26.2mm). This suggests that our technical trick of obtaining “peek” radiographs intraoperatively may aid in a precise lag-screw placement.     

Anwendung der Klingen- und der dynamischen Schraubplattenosteosynthese

Osteosynthesis in fracture treatment and in some reconstructive procedures with blade plates or dynamic screw systems was the standard procedure for several decades. In this review, the current options and concepts using blade plate osteosynthesis, stabilization of proximal and distal femur fractures and reconstructive procedures with the dynamic hip screw or the dynamic condylar blade are discussed. On the basis of a literature review, the present indications, results and region-specific complications are reported and discussed. Blade plates are used mainly in the context of reconstructive procedures, as well as in the treatment of pseudoarthroses. The Pauwel procedure in femoral neck non-unions is one of the best known indications. In contrast, the dynamic hip screw is the gold standard for stabilization of femoral neck and most pertrochanteric fractures, whereas the dynamic condylar screw is still an alternative to internal fixators for proximal and distal femoral fracture fixations.     

What is the most fixable intramedullary implant for basicervical fracture and transcervical shear fracture? – A finite element study

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study are 1) to biomechanically compare six different intramedullary fixations for basicervical fracture (AO 31-B3, Type 2 in area classification) and transcervical shear fracture (AO 31-B2.3, Type 1–2 in area classification) using the finite element (FE) method, and 2) to investigate the effects of two different unstable fracture types on fixation.MethodsFE models of two different types of proximal femoral fractures are constructed from CT scan images of a patient with osteoporosis. The fracture models are fixed with a short femoral nail with a single lag screw, short femoral nail with a single blade, and short femoral nail with double lag screws, and then fixed with long femoral nails for each of the three nail types. Subsequently, the maximum loads during walking and stair climbing, as well as the minimum principal strain and compressive failure elements are calculated to assess the fixation of each implant.ResultsIn both fracture types, the long nail with double lag screws show the smallest volume of compressive failure elements (basicervical fracture, 2 mm³; transcervical shear fracture, 217 mm³). In all types of implants, the volume of the compressive failure elements is larger in the transcervical shear fracture than in the basicervical fracture. A similar trend is observed for the minimum principal strain (compressive strain).ConclusionThe present study shows that a long nail with double lag screws is the most fixative intramedullary nail device for basicervical fracture and transcervical shear fracture in any condition. Furthermore, it is shown that transcervical shear fracture is considerably more unstable than basicervical fracture.     

Reverse obliquity and transverse fractures of the trochanteric region of the femur; a review of 101 cases

BACKGROUND: Reverse obliquity and transverse fractures of the proximal femur represent a distinct fracture pattern in which the mechanical forces displace the femur medially thus increasing the risk of fixation failure. There is a paucity of published literature in this area of trauma. This study constitutes the largest series of such fractures. METHODS: Using a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a single institution, 101 reverse obliquity and transverse fracture patterns were identified from 3336 consecutive hip fractures. All surviving patients were followed up for 1 year. RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated operatively, 59 were treated with 135 degrees sliding hip screws (SHS), 19 with a Medoff plates modification of the SHS, three with a sliding hip screw and trochanteric stabilising plate and 19 with intramedullary sliding hip screw devices. Nine fracture fixation-healing complications occurred, with cut-out being the commonest complication (seven cases). Cut-out of the implant was associated with femoral medialisation and a larger tip to apex distance. CONCLUSION: This fracture pattern is a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon with a high risk of fracture healing complications. The 135 degrees SHS and the intramedullary devices had similar failure rates.     

Risk factors for excessive postoperative sliding of femoral trochanteric fracture in elderly patients: A retrospective multicenter study

IntroductionThe application of a load on the internal fixation of a trochanteric fracture exerts a moment along the lag screw, causing the proximal bone fragment to slide along the lag screw, allowing contact between the proximal and distal bone fragments, which promotes healing. However, excessive sliding is related to poor postoperative outcomes. We aimed to identify the risk factors for excessive sliding.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective study including 115 trochanteric fractures sustained through low-energy trauma in 19 male and 96 female patients aged 60 years or older (mean age: 82.9 years) between September 2013 and December 2014. We measured the postoperative sliding distance after osteosynthesis using a sliding hip screw or intramedullary nailing, and classified participants with ≥8 mm of sliding into the excessive sliding group (ESG) and with <8 mm into non-ESG. Finally, we investigated the risk factors of excessive postoperative sliding.ResultsFifty participants were classified into the ESG and 65 participants into the non-ESG. Female sex (p = 0.0264), an A3 fracture type (p = 0.0003), greater tip-apex distance (p = 0.0250), and poor reduction in either the anteroposterior or lateral radiographic views (p = 0.0156) were identified as risk factors for excessive sliding by multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionsFemale sex, an unstable fracture type, a greater tip-apex distance, and a poor reduction, in either the anteroposterior or lateral views, are associated with excessive postoperative sliding. Therefore, surgery should aim to achieve good reduction and stabilization from both radiographic views.     

Technical pitfalls in the use of the sliding hip screw for fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Two hundred fifty consecutive intertrochanteric fractures treated with a sliding hip screw (SHS) over a three year period were reviewed and specific types of technical pitfalls identified. Most pitfalls were technique dependent and potentially preventable with proper attention to the principles of fracture reduction and insertion of the device. Pitfalls encountered with the use of the SHS occurred as a result of either poor fracture reduction or implant insertion. Problems related to fracture reduction included poor radiographic visualization, posterior sag, varus angulation, and internal rotation of the femoral shaft in relation to the femoral neck. Potential pitfalls encountered during SHS insertion included superior guide wire placement, guide wire breakage or penetration into the hip joint or pelvis, loss of reduction during lag screw insertion, improper screw-barrel relationship, and improper plate application. Finally, the SHS may not be the implant of choice for all extracapsular hip fractures (i.e., the reverse obliquity fracture). This paper identifies the various pitfalls that may occur with the use of the SHS for the fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Illustrative cases are provided and guidelines for avoiding these surgical pitfalls suggested.