Treatment of stable extra-capsular hip fractures with a sliding screw versus short gamma nail: a retrospective study of 102 patients

This is a retrospective study of 102 patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures comparing the operative results of short gamma nail? fixation with the sliding hip screw. The average patient age in the study is 83 years (range 52–94 years) with 87% females. The transfusion requirements between the two groups did not differ but a slightly larger decrease in hemoglobin levels was seen at 48 h in the gamma nail group. In neither group were there any intra-operative fractures or infections which led to a return to the operating room. The average length of stay for both groups was identical at 6.9 days. Twenty-seven short gamma nail patients and 18 compression hip screw patients were followed for 6 months. There were no instances of cut-out in either group but the short gamma nail group had middle/middle lag screw placement on the AP and lateral views more often than the compression hip screw (50%) group at 6 months. We conclude that the short gamma nail can be used effectively for the fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures without the occurrence of potentially devastating complications such as intraoperative femur fracture, periprosthetic fracture or lag screw cut-out.     

Surgical treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures with associated femoral neck fractures using a sliding hip screw

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the results of surgical treatment of a subset of intertrochanteric fractures with posteromedial comminution and extension of the fracture line into the femoral neck using a sliding hip screw. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level I county trauma center. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine fractures (8%) with this pattern were identified from 381 intertrochanteric hip fractures treated at a single institution over a 10-year period. Nine patients were excluded (2 died, 7 had incomplete radiographic follow-up), leaving 20 patients for assessment. INTERVENTION: All fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographs at a mean follow-up of 17 months were recorded as demonstrating: 1) fixation failure; 2) fracture union; or 3) fracture nonunion. The tip-apex distance, amount of lag screw collapse, screw position in the femoral head, and adequacy of reduction were determined. RESULTS: Treatment failed according to these radiographic measures in 5 of 20 (25%) fractures. Failures included fracture nonunion (1 case), lag screw cutout (2 cases), and combined nonunion/lag screw cutout (2 cases). All 5 failures had complete collapse of the lag screw, whereas 4 of the 15 successfully treated fractures had complete collapse. The amount of collapse was significantly greater for the treatment failures (mean, 38 mm) than in the successfully treated hips (mean, 20 mm). There was no significant association between treatment success or failure and tip-apex distance, lag screw position, and adequacy of reduction. CONCLUSION: We conclude that intertrochanteric hip fractures with associated femoral neck fractures should not be managed with a standard sliding hip screw.     

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.     

Intramedullary fixation of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures: one or two lag screws

OBJECTIVE: To compare the screw sliding characteristics and biomechanical stability of four-part intertrochanteric hip fractures stabilized with an intramedullary nail using either one large-diameter lag screw (intramedullary hip screw [IMHS]; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) or two small-diameter lag screws (trochanteric antegrade nail [TAN]; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN). DESIGN: Laboratory investigation using eight matched pairs of cadaveric human femurs with simulated, unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures. INTERVENTION: One femur of each matched pair was stabilized with an IMHS intramedullary nail, and the other was stabilized with a TAN intramedullary nail. Femurs were statically, then cyclically loaded on a servohydraulic materials testing machine. Finally, all specimens were loaded to failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Screw sliding and inferior and lateral head displacements were measured for applied static loads from 500N to 1250N. The same measurements were obtained before and after cyclically loading the specimens at 1250N. Ultimate failure strength of the implant constructs also was determined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the TAN and IMHS in static or cyclical loading with respect to screw sliding or inferior and lateral head displacements. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.02) in failure strength, with the IMHS construct failing at an average of 2162N and the TAN construct failing at an average of 3238N. CONCLUSION: The two constructs showed equivalent rigidity and stability in all parameters assessed in elastic and cyclical tests. The TAN had a greater ultimate failure load.     

Unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in the elderly

Unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures account for approximately one quarter of all hip fractures in the elderly and are increasing in frequency. Treatment goals include immediate mobilization while limiting complications. Preoperatively, medical comorbidities should be identified and managed. For stable intertrochanteric hip fractures, consistently good results have been achieved with compression hip screw fixation. However, with more unstable fracture patterns, problems with compression hip screw fixation, such as excessive fracture collapse and implant cutout, increase. For these fractures, adding a trochanteric stabilizing plate or using an axial compression hip screw or intramedullary hip screw is warranted. Surgical care should maximize the patient's chance of a successful outcome by realigning the fracture with minimal additional surgical insult, selecting the appropriate implant, and positioning it properly.     

经皮加压钢板和短重建钉治疗股骨转子间骨折的对照研究

目的 比较研究用于微创治疗股骨转子间骨折的同直径双主钉的髓内和髓外设计的两种内固定系统的临床治疗效果.方法 选择2005至2008年同期进行的两组股骨转子间骨折病例,均为AO/OTA分型A1和A2型骨折,其中髓外固定使用经皮加压钢板(percutaneous compression plating,PCCP)36例,髓内固定使用Trigen短重建钉48例,分别进行平均(16.3±3.2)个月随访.随访中临床评估包括术后1周,1、3、6个月和1年的疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual ahalogue scale,VAS)和1年后Harris髋功能评分;放射学评估包括骨折愈合时间、内固定主钉位置及骨折端加压短缩尺度,并记录并发症发生情况.结果 两组病例在手术时间和临床失血量方面差异并无统计学意义.PCCP组早期疼痛的缓解效果优于Trigen短重建钉组,主要表现在术后前3个月内,此后两组疼痛评分差异无统计学意义.PCCP组的骨折愈合时间和Harris评分均优于Trigen短重建钉组,差异有统计学意义.同时,PCCP组显示出更大尺度主钉回退和骨折端加压短缩情况.Trigen短重建钉组术后出现1例大转子劈裂、3例股骨干部骨折,其中1例进行翻修;而PCCP组无内固定周围骨折发生,但存在1例早期主钉切割移位.结论 PCCP和Trigen短重建钉均可满意地用于A1和A2型转子间骨折的微创治疗,其中髓外应用的PCCP具有疼痛缓解早、固定位置好、愈合时间短和并发症少等优点.     

Intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with the trochanteric fixation nail and sliding hip screw

The primary treatment options for intertrochanteric hip fractures are a sliding hip screw (SHS) and an intramedullary device, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. The authors retrospectively compared all intertrochanteric hip fractures between 2003 and 2005 using a cephalomedullary nail--the trochanteric fixation nail (TFN)--to those using a SHS. Outcome measures included the following parameters: age, gender, fracture classification, operation time, blood loss, transfusions, complications, follow-up, length of stay, and hospital cost. A total of 95 patients were included in the study (51 SHS and 44 TFN). The two groups were similar in age (p = .52), blood loss (p = .20), follow-up (p = .13), length of stay (p = .63), and hospital costs (p = .70). The TFN procedure required shorter operative times (56.5 min, p < .004) and was used in more complex fracture patterns (p < .03). The SHS group had fewer blood transfusions (1.2 units, p < .0008). The SHS group had a higher complication rate of 19.6%, versus the TFN group's 11.4% rate (p = .13). The TFN is an appropriate and acceptable treatment method for intertrochanteric hip fractures.     

A laboratory model to evaluate cutout resistance of implants for pertrochanteric fracture fixation

OBJECTIVES: To establish a laboratory model of implant cutout, which can evaluate the effect of implant design on cutout resistance in a clinically realistic "worst case" scenario. SETTING: Orthopaedic biomechanics laboratory. DESIGN: Implant cutout was simulated in an unstable pertrochanteric fracture model, which accounted for dynamic loading, osteoporotic bone, and a defined implant offset. For model characterization, lag screw cutout was simulated in human cadaveric specimens and in polyurethane foam surrogates. Subsequently, foam surrogates were used to determine differences in cutout resistance between 2 common lag screws (dynamic hip screw, Gamma) and 2 novel blade-type implant designs (dynamic helical hip system, trochanteric fixation nail). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Implant migration was continuously recorded with a spatial motion tracking system as a function of the applied loading cycles. In addition, the total number of loading cycles to cutout failure was determined for specific load amplitudes. RESULTS: Implant migration in polyurethane surrogates closely correlated with that in cadaveric specimens, but yielded higher reproducibility and consistent cutout failure. The cutout model was able to delineate significant differences in cutout resistance between specific implant designs. At any of 4 load amplitudes (0.8 kN, 1.0 kN, 1.2 kN, 1.4 kN) dynamic hip screw lag screws failed earliest. The gamma nail lag screw could sustain significantly more loading cycles than the dynamic hip screw. Of all implants, trochanteric fixation nail implants demonstrated the highest cutout resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Implant design can significantly affect the fixation strength and cutout resistance of implants for pertrochanteric fracture fixation. The novel cutout model can predict differences in cutout resistance between distinct implant designs.     

Trochanteric gamma nail and compression hip screw for trochanteric fractures: a randomized, prospective, comparative study in 210 elderly patients with a new design of the gamma nail

OBJECTIVES: To compare the results between a new intramedullary Gamma nail and a compression hip screw in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. DESIGN: Prospective randomized. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Two hundred ten consecutive patients older than 65 years with trochanteric femoral fractures. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with a compression hip screw or a new design of the Trochanteric Gamma nail (180 mm in length with a mediolateral angle of 4 degrees and available only with a proximal diameter of 17 mm and distal diameter of 11 mm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Operative and fluoroscopy times, blood loss, functional outcome, complication rate, and failure of fixation. RESULTS: The Trochanteric Gamma nail was used in 104 patients and the compression hip screw in 106. The 2 groups were similar in terms of their preoperative data, with a median follow-up of 13.6 months (range 12-30). The results show no difference in operating time (P = 0.21), but the Trochanteric Gamma nail group had a significantly shorter fluoroscopy time (P = 0.006), and the number of patients transfused and the mean of units of blood transfused were significantly less in the Trochanteric Gamma nail group (P = 0.013, 0.046, respectively). Mortality within 12 months was similar in both groups (P = 0.83). All fractures were radiographically healed at the last visit. There was no difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications or rate of fixation failure between the 2 groups, and no case of secondary shaft fracture of the femur was encountered in this study. In the entire series, there was no difference in the functional outcome (P = 0.74), but the postoperative walking ability was better in those patients with unstable fractures who were treated with the Trochanteric Gamma nail (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The new Trochanteric Gamma nail is an effective method for the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients. The indication for either Trochanteric Gamma nail or compression hip screw is similar in stable fractures, but we recommend the use of the Trochanteric Gamma nail for unstable trochanteric fractures.     

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.     

Helical blade versus sliding hip screw for treatment of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures: a biomechanical evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fixation stability in the femoral head with sliding hip screw versus helical blade designs for unstable, intertrochanteric hip fractures. METHODS: A simulated, unstable intertrochanteric hip fracture was created in six pairs of cadaveric femurs. One of each pair was treated using an intramedullary nail with a sliding hip screw (ITST) for femoral head fixation and the other was treated with a nail with a helical blade (TFN). Each specimen was cyclically loaded with 750N vertical loads applied for 10, 100, 1000 and 10,000 cycles. Measurements for femoral head displacement, fracture fragment opening and sliding were made. Specimens were then loaded to failure. RESULTS: There was significantly more permanent inferior femoral head displacement in the ITST samples compared to the TFN samples after each cyclic loading (all p values<0.05). There was significantly more permanent fracture site opening and inferior displacement in the ITST group compared with the TFN group at 1000 and 10,000 cycles (p<0.05). Final loads to failure were not significantly different (p=0.51) between the two treatment groups. Nine specimens demonstrated fracture extension into the anteromedial cortex and subtrochanteric region and three specimens, which had an ITST implant, demonstrated a splitting fracture of the femoral head. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that fixation of the femoral head with a helical blade was biomechanically superior to fixation with a standard sliding hip screw in a cadaveric, unstable intertrochanteric hip fracture model.     

Alternative techniques in trochanteric hip fracture surgery: Clinical and biomechanical studies on the Medoff sliding plate and the Twin hook

In allowing compression along the femoral shaft (uniaxial dynamization) and optional compression along the femoral neck (biaxial dynamization), the Medoff sliding plate (MSP) represents a new principle in the fixation of trochanteric hip fractures. The Twin hook with 2 apical hooks was designed as an alternative to the lag screw. In 3 prospective consecutive case series and 1 prospective randomized study together comprising 342 trochanteric fractures, these alternative techniques were investigated. 3 postoperative fixation failures occurred in the unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with biaxial dynamization with the MSP (n=194), and 5 in those treated with the sliding hip screw (n=62) (p=0.04). A mean femoral shortening of 15 mm with the MSP and 11 mm with the sliding hip screw was found (p=0.03). More medialization of the femoral shaft occurred with the sliding hip screw (26%) than with the MSP (12%) in patients with marked femoral shortening (p=0.03). 3 postoperative fixation failures occurred in subtrochanteric fractures treated with uniaxial dynamization (n=29) and 2 in those treated with biaxial dynamization (n=19). Medialization of the femoral shaft occurred in 9 of the 19 biaxially dynamized fractures. The Twin hook was used in 50 patients and appeared to provide similar fixation stability as the lag screw. Biomechanical tests confirmed improved stress transmission over the fracture area with the MSP compared to the sliding hip screw in intertrochanteric fractures, and similar fixation stability with the MSP and the Intramedullary Hip Screw in subtrochanteric fractures. In axial and torsional loading, the Twin hook demonstrated gradually increasing resistance to migration. With the lag screw, the peak load was higher, but after migration with failure of the support by the threads, the loads were similar. Biaxial dynamization with the MSP appears to control fracture impaction effectively and minimizes the rate of postoperative fixation failure in intertrochanteric fractures. In subtrochanteric fractures, uniaxial dynamization prevents medialization of the femoral shaft and is therefore preferred to biaxial dynamization. The Twin hook appears to provide adequate fixation stability, and with potential for simplified intraoperative handling and reduced dissection, the Twin hook may pose advantages compared to the lag screw.     

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.     

Short gamma nail fixation for intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

Hip fractures, including intertrochanteric fractures, are recognized to be a major public health problem in many Western nations, most notably those in North America. Due to an increase in life expectancy, an increase in the number of patients sustaining intertrochanteric fractures is expected. The optimal fixation for intertrochanteric fracture remains debatable, and both sliding hip screw/plate construct and cephalomedullary nail fixation devices, like the gamma nail, have been documented in the literature as effective alternatives. One of the major setbacks discovered with the use of the gamma nail is a higher reoperation rate as a result of a new fracture around the implant. This study presents a review of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with gamma trochanteric fixation nail.     

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.     

Treatment of early cut-out of a lag screw using a trochanter supporting plate: 11 consecutive patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures

Introduction Superior cut-out of a lag screw remains a serious complication in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. It is related to the stability of fracture reduction. We describe the application of a trochanter supporting plate (TSP) to restore the fracture stability after early cut-out of a lag screw in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.Materials and methods A total of 11 consecutive patients with superior cut-out of the lag screw of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) or a gamma nail in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture occurring within 6 months after surgery were included in the present study. They underwent repeat surgery for placement of a DHS and a laterally mounted TSP of our design. All patients were monitored for at least 6 months (median 15 months; range 6–28 months).Results There was no repeated cut-out of a lag screw, and 10 patients (91%) achieved bony union within 5 months. At the last follow-up, all patients could walk with or without aids.Conclusion It reveals that a TSP, as an adjuvant to a lag screw placed inferiorly, is an easy and safe solution for the treatment of early cut-out of a lag screw in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.     

Comparison of outcomes after different methods of fixation for extracapsular hip fractures: An observational study

ObjectiveOptimal management of intertrochanteric fractures using either sliding hip screws (SHS) or Intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation has long been disputed and the optimal length of a 'short nail' has yet to be clarified. Our aim was to investigate functional outcomes in patients who have undergone either sliding hip screw fixation or intramedullary fixation using varied lengths of nails to assess potential superiority.DesignWe retrospectively reviewed data from consecutive patients with trochanteric hip fractures between January 2010 - July 2019. Fracture fixation was performed with four different devices; SHS, 220mm and 175mm Targon PFT nails or 180mm Short Affixus Hip Fracture Nails. There was no significant difference in the patient demographics in each treatment group.Main outcome measures: Patients were followed up for 1 year post operatively to determine if there were differences in mobility and pain with the different fixation methods.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the overall complication rate between methods of fixation.Overall Intramedullary nail fixation resulted in an improved mean pain score compared to SHS (mean difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.11 - 0.39, p=0.0005). On sub-analysis this was only statistically significant in 220mm Targon nails (mean difference 0.35, CI 0.19-0.57, p=0.0010) and not for the other two nails.In addition, there was a significant difference in mobility score (mean difference 0.38, CI 0.12-0.63, p=0.0036). On sub-analysis this was only statistically significant favouring the for 220 mm Targon nail (mean difference 0.57, CI 0.27-0.87, p=0.0002).ConclusionWe advise caution in interpreting the results of studies between different nails and SHS, as not all nails appear to be the same. Design features of modern nails such as length, proximal diameter, the use of a compression screw, lag screw interface within the nail and valgus inclination may all play a role in functional outcomes.     

Use of a modified IMHS for unstable intertrochanteric fractures

The treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly osteopenic patients, especially those who cannot follow limited weight bearing instructions, is controversial. Recent publications indicate concern with excessive sliding of telescoping nail or sliding screw devices when used in these unstable intertrochanteric fractures. In our experience with the use of intramedullary hip screw (IMHS) in these fracture patterns, we have observed excessive sliding and collapse of the fracture in some patients. We modified the keyed centering sleeve by threading its internal distal third and substituted the compression screw with a custom bolt to obtain restricted sliding or rigid fixation depending on the gap between the lag screw and custom bolt. We used this modified system in static configuration to treat five patients who had an unstable intertrochanteric fracture of the femur. The length of the involved limb measured at the time of consolidation showed no shortening. In view of these results, intertrochanteric hip fractures that are unstable in patients with poor bone-stock can be fixed using the modified IMHS in a static or controlled sliding configuration. Received: 4 February 2002/Accepted: 18 March 2002     

Prospective randomised controlled trial of an intramedullary nail versus a sliding hip screw for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur

Purpose

The purpose of this prospective randomised trial was to assess whether an intramedullary nail is superior to a sliding hip screw in the treatment of multifragmentary intertrochanteric fractures

Methods

Eighty patients with a 31-A2.2 or A2.3 Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) intertrochanteric fracture were randomly allocated to fixation with either the Gamma nail or the AMBI sliding hip screw device.

Results

All patients were followed up at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively, except for nine who died. There was no statistical difference in Parker mobility score between groups. The Gamma nail group had significantly higher Barthel Index and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores than the AMBI group at 12 months. At the same time, the EQ-5D score had returned to its pre-operative values in the Gamma nail group but not in the AMBI group. There were no differences in mortality, radiation time and hospital stay. Duration of the operation, incision length and hip pain occurrence were significantly less in the Gamma nail group.

Conclusions

Few failures occur when unstable 31-A2.2 and A2.3 AO/OTA fractures are fixed with a sliding hip screw. Nevertheless, an intramedullary nail seems superior in reconstituting patients to their pre-operative state.