Should early weightbearing be allowed after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric femur fractures? A finite element study

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the effects of early weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures.MethodsFemurs with different types of trochanteric fractures were modeled according to AO/OTA classification. Fractures were ideally reduced with one mm gap between fragments and fixed with intramedullary nails. Forces were applied simulating single- (Body weight: 60 kg, joint reaction force: 1999.2 N, abductor muscle force:1558.8 N) and double-leg standing positions (Joint reaction force: 196 N). In another model, a 500 Nm rotational force was applied as a simulation of a fall.ResultsA higher level of stress was determined at the calcar femorale, the fracture site, the holes for the lag screws, and the hole for the proximal locking screw on the nail, the threadless parts of the lag screws, and the mid-portion of the nail. During the single-leg stance, up to 3 mm displacement was observed with the reverse oblique type of fractures. In the simulation of the fall, 1.5 mm displacement occurred at the fracture site. No displacement was measured at stabile and type 31A2 fracture models. In addition, higher levels of stress were measured at the body of the nail (up to 133 MPa), proximal screws (up to 133 MPa) and at the bone distal to the nail (up to 84.3 MPa), but all values were under the limit of the yield stress of the bone and the titanium.ConclusionFull weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric femur fractures may be allowed except in obese patients and patients with 31A3 type fractures according to the AO/OTA classification. The use of support is recommended in order to prevent complications. Implant removal can be discussed with patients after fracture union in order to prevent possible periprosthetic fractures.     

Plate Fixation for Atypical Fractures of the Femoral Diaphysis

BackgroundPlate fixation for atypical femoral fractures has shown high failure rates compared to intramedullary nail fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological results of patients treated with a plate and screws for atypical fractures of the femoral diaphysis.MethodsThis study was conducted retrospectively on 16 patients who had undergone internal fixation using plates for treatment of atypical femoral complete fractures from 2007 to 2015. Nine patients were treated with lag screws and short plates while 7 patients were treated with position screws and long plates, which covered the whole femur. Radiologic evaluation was performed on all patients. Complications were also evaluated.ResultsBone union was achieved in all patients and the average bone union time was 17.7 weeks (range, 14–28 weeks). There was no correlation between the preoperative use of a bisphosphonate, plate length, postoperative teriparatide use, and the time to bone union. Regarding complications, 2 cases of complete fractures and 1 impending fracture occurred at the end of short plates.ConclusionsSatisfactory results were obtained with use of plates for patients with atypical femoral complete diaphyseal fractures, in whom intramedullary nails could not be applied due to severe bowing. In particular, it seemed advantageous compared with intramedullary nail fixation in that it could maintain the leg length through anatomical reduction and prevent iatrogenic fracture.     

股骨干顺行髓内钉固定后同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗

目的：探讨股骨干骨折行顺行髓内钉固定后发现同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析2000年1月至2010年1月股骨干骨折行顺行髓内钉固定后术中或术后发现同侧股骨颈骨折的患者12例,全部以2枚螺钉分别自髓内钉前后方固定股骨颈骨折,定期随访,评估骨折愈合及功能恢复情况。结果：术后随访10—36个月,平均16．5个月。股骨颈骨折平均愈合时间3．6个月,股骨干骨折平均愈合时间5．4个月,无股骨头坏死发生。按Harris评分标准髋关节功能：优7例,良3例,可2例。结论：股骨干骨折顺行髓内钉固定后发现同侧股骨颈骨折,以2枚螺钉分别自髓内钉前后方固定股骨颈骨折方法可行,固定可靠,手术创伤小,骨折愈合率高。     

股骨粗隆间骨折内固定手术后并发症原因分析

目的：探讨动力髋螺钉(DHS)和股骨近端髓内固定(Gamma钉、PFN)治疗股骨粗隆间骨折产生手术后并发症的原因。方法：总结2000～2004年用DHS和髓内固定系统治疗的共94例股骨粗隆间骨折病例，对6例出现手术后并发症病例的原因进行了分析。结果：94例患者中6例出现术后并发症，并发症种类包括6类：术后股骨干骨折；内固定物股骨头颈内切割；髋内翻；股骨头坏死；头颈螺钉穿人髋关节；骨折不愈合。结论：内固定物选择不当是发生手术并发症的重要原因，而不稳定骨折、严重骨质疏松、骨折复位不良、头颈螺钉位置不良都将增加手术并发症的发生率。     

偏心固定与髓内固定治疗股骨转子间骨折的病例对照研究

目的 :比较股骨转子间骨折采用偏心固定及髓内固定两种方法的疗效,为股骨转子间骨折治疗方法的选择提供理论依据。方法:2007年2月至2010年1月收治股骨转子间骨折患者82例,其中偏心固定组39例,男16例,女23例,年龄41~81岁,平均(62.68±10.69)岁,采用动力髋或股骨近端锁定钢板固定;髓内固定组43例,男15例,女28例,年龄43~78岁,平均(62.60±8.37)岁,采用PFN或PFNA固定。比较两组患者的切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量以及术后Harris评分情况。结果:两组伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,无手术并发症。82例患者均获得随访,时间12~28个月,平均18.3个月。两组切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量差异具有统计学意义。两组术后1个月Harris髋关节功能评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而术后12个月Harris髋关节功能评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。偏心固定组优良率为89.7%,髓内固定组优良率为90.7%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。偏心固定组骨折不愈合1例,动力髋主钉螺丝松动并继而发生髋内翻畸形。髓内固定组无防旋钉退出,髓内钉远端股骨再骨折1例。结论:两种方法治疗股骨转子间骨折均有良好疗效,但是髓内固定较偏心固定手术时间更短,出血量更少,适用于骨质疏松和不稳定型股骨转子间骨折的治疗。     

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.     

Permanent reduction plate and intramedullary nailing of open tibia fractures: Do we need to take them out?

IntroductionProvisional reduction plating has been advocated as a reduction aid for tibial shaft fractures. Concerns regarding soft tissue stripping, infection, wound complications and nonunion have been postulated. Recent studies investigating reduction plating present patient cohorts where plates are removed or left to the discretion of the surgeon. This study aims to identify a cohort of open tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing aided by permanent reduction plating. Our hypothesis is that permanent reduction plating in conjunction with intramedullary nailing of open tibia fractures does not increase risk of nonunion, infection or time to fracture union compared to intramedullary nailing alone.MethodsAn IRB approved retrospective study was performed using trauma registry data from January 2014 to June 2018 at a Level 1 trauma center. Open AO/OTA 41A/42 A-C/43A tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nail alone (IM) or intramedullary nail and permanent reduction plates (PP) were included in patients over 18 years of age with at least six month follow up or until fracture union. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, medical comorbidities, and length of follow up were recorded along with time to union, incidence of nonunion and treatment for documented or suspected infections.ResultsDuring the study period, 389 patients underwent tibial intramedullary nailing with 162 identified as open fractures. 91 patients met inclusion criteria with 39 in the PP group and 52 in IM group. Statistical analysis revealed no difference between the two groups except more AO/OTA 42A fractures were noted in the IM group. Average follow up was 8.0 and 10.2 months for PP and IM respectively. Nonunion occurred in 2 PP group patients and 7 in the IM group (p = 0.29). Time to union was 5.5 months for PP group and 6.1 months for IM group (p = 0.39) with 4 infections in the PP group and 10 infections in IM group (p = 0.38).ConclusionDespite the small sample size, this study suggests that permanent reduction plating, in the setting of open tibia fractures, does not delay time to fracture union or increase risk of nonunion or infection.     

传统正骨手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗儿童肱骨近端骨折

目的 :探讨儿童肱骨近端骨折采用传统正骨手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗的临床疗效和安全性。方法:回顾2012年10月至2016年5月,运用传统正骨手法复位弹性髓内钉经皮内固定治疗65例,其中男52例,女13例;年龄7~14岁,平均11.2岁;左侧23例,右侧42例;斜形骨折13例,横形骨折49例,粉碎性骨折3例。全部为闭合性明显移位性骨折,不合并血管、神经损伤。就诊时间为伤后20 min~5 d,平均3 d。术后随访观察骨折愈合及并发症的发生情况,并运用Neer肩关节功能评分法评价疗效。结果:手术时间30~40 min,平均35 min;术中出血5~10 ml,平均6.5 ml。65例均获随访,时间12~28个月,平均18个月,骨折全部愈合。按照Neer肩关节功能评分法评价疗效,优59例,良5例,可1例。4例针尾部皮肤少许分泌物,2例皮肤激惹现象,1例部分退针,均在取针后愈合。无断钉及退钉现象造成的骨不愈合现象发生,无血管、神经损伤病例发生。结论:手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗儿童肱骨近端骨折的方法,具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少、操作方法简单等优点。     

弹性髓内钉固定与外固定支架治疗儿童股骨干骨折疗效比较

目的：比较弹性髓内针与外固定支架治疗儿童股骨干骨折的疗效。方法：2002年9月至2008年8月治疗儿童股骨干骨折共67例,使用弹性髓内针治疗儿童股骨干骨折36例,男23例,女13例,年龄5～11岁,平均（7.1±1.6）岁;外固定支架治疗31例,男19例,女12例,年龄3～12岁,平均（6.5±2.3）岁。所有病例均为闭合复位,对两种不同内固定术后骨折愈合时间、术后并发症进行比较分析。结果：全部病例均获随访,时间9～24个月,平均（12±3）个月。弹性随内针组治疗小儿股骨骨折在骨折临床愈合时间和骨性愈合时间均短于外固定支架组（P〈0.05）。外固定支架组,继发钉道感染5例,骨折延迟愈合3例,再骨折2例,螺钉断裂1例;弹性髓内针组钉尾激惹3例。结论：弹性髓内针治疗儿童股骨干骨折有很大优势,而对高能量骨折及多发伤的病例外固定支架则不失为一种良好的选择,股骨近端和远端骨折尽量避免使用弹性髓内针固定。     

Medial pelvic migration of the lag screw in a short gamma nail after hip fracture fixation: a case report and review of the literature

Hip fractures are a common injury among the elderly. Internal fixation with an intramedullary (IM) system has gained popularity for the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures. Multiple complications associated with IM fracture fixation have been described, however, we report a rare complication of medial pelvic migration of the lag screw of a short IM nail in a stable construct ten weeks post surgery. The patient was subsequently treated with Lag Screw removal and revision surgery with a shorter Lag Screw and an accessory cannulated screw acting as a de-rotational device. The patient did well with the revision surgery and was able to return to full activities.     

Outcome of intramedullary nail for fixation of osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures in the elderly above 60

IntroductionIntramedullary nailing is an acceptable treatment option for femoral shaft fracture in young patients but not extensively studied in the elderly with osteoporotic fractures. Plate fixation for osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures have a high rate of complications and delayed healing time, and the most acceptable treatment is intramedullary nailing. This study evaluated the healing time and incidence of complications in osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures after intramedullary nailing.Patients &MethodsThis was a retrospective study that included 16 patients above 60 years old with osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures operated between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients with metastatic fractures or with atypical fractures were excluded. Thirteen patients had low-energy injuries such as a simple fall from standing height or lower and twisting injuries. The remaining 3 patients sustained high-energy-mechanism of injury. No patient received bisphosphonate except 2 patients received oral bisphosphonate for a period of 6 and 8 months, respectively.ResultsSixteen patients (12 females and 4 males) with mean age 69.5 ± 3.7 presented with femoral shaft fracture were operated with intramedullary nail, 10 patients were fixed with trochanteric entry nails with proximal neck screws, and 6 patients were fixed with piriformis entry nails. In 9 patients, closed reduction of fracture was achieved while 7 patients required open reduction, of which 5 fracture required cerclage wire addition. The mean bone healing time was 5.35±1.2 months. Intraoperative extension of femoral fractures during intramedullary nail insertion was observed in two cases that required open reduction and addition of cerclage wires around the fracture. The overall incidence of complications was 18.7%.ConclusionsIntramedullary nailing for osteoporotic femoral shaft fracture is a good acceptable option in elderly patients with reasonable healing time with no major complications.     

股骨干合并同侧股骨颈或股骨转子间骨折

目的探讨股骨干合并同侧股骨颈或股骨转子间骨折的临床特点和漏诊原因.方法 8例股骨干骨折分别采用普通髓内钉、钢板、带锁髓内钉固定.其中合并股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折的6例选用DHS、带锁髓内钉、空心螺钉固定;术前漏诊2例采用非手术治疗.结果 8例全部获随访,随访时间5个月～2年.股骨干及股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折均获骨性愈合,伤肢功能恢复满意.结论对高能量损伤造成股骨干骨折应常规摄骨盆前后位X线片及膝部X线片.一旦发现合并股骨颈或股骨转子间骨折,应争取早期手术内固定,效果满意.     

Unreamed Nailing of Diaphyseal and Metaphyseal Fractures of the Femur

Background: Femoral intramedullary nails with antegrade or retrograde options for insertion and different locking possibilities have extended the indications to include both diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures. Patients and Methods: A prospective series of 63 patients were treated with three different unreamed nailing and interlocking techniques selected according to the predominant fracture location. Median age of the 30 women and 33 men was 39 (17–97) years. High-energy injuries had occurred in 37 patients. Antegrade nailing and interlocking with standard technique was used in 29 diaphyseal fractures, antegrade nailing and placement of the proximal locking device to the femoral head was performed in eleven proximal fractures with involvement of the intertrochanteric region, and retrograde nailing and standard interlocking was done in 23 mainly distal fractures. Results: We encountered two types of major mechanical complications: angular malalignment and protrusion of the nail into the knee joint following compression in the fracture. Angular malalignment was found in four fractures. One midshaft fracture was fixed in a valgus reduction. Varus malalignment and loss of fixation occurred in two high subtrochanteric fractures after proximal locking with a spiral blade. In another midshaft fracture redisplacement in varus occurred. Compression in the fracture with protrusion of the nail by 2–10 mm into the knee joint following retrograde nailing was observed in six osteoporotic patients. Only two of these patients had significant knee problems. The median time to union – 4 months – did not differ significantly between the fixation groups. Conclusions: Thus, there are still problems after nailing very proximal and distal fractures. Most postoperative complications were seen after retrograde nailing of distal fractures, but the consequences of fixation failure in very proximal fractures were worse. Nevertheless, a protocol that takes advantage of the different options for nail introduction and locking depending on the fracture location seems promising. Received: January 6, 2002; revision accepted: October 8, 2002 Correspondence Address Karl Akke Alberts, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopedics, Karolinska Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden, Phone (+48/8) 517-70000, Fax -72695, e-mail: akke.alberts@ks.se     

Stabilisation of AO OTA 31-A unstable proximal femoral fractures: Does the choice of intramedullary nail affect the incidence of post-operative complications? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine if there was a difference in the risk of post-operative complications associated with the use of different intramedullary (IM) devices in the treatment of unstable AO OTA 31-A trochanteric fractures.DesignSystematic literature review and meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic literature review was carried out in January 2022 in the Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Studies comparing INTERTAN? to other intramedullary nails for the treatment of AO OTA 31-A trochanteric fractures were selected for inclusion. After data extraction, meta-analyses were carried out on postoperative outcomes, with specific focus placed on unstable fracture patterns.ResultsTwenty-three studies were suitable for inclusion, of which seventeen reported on outcomes in unstable fractures. INTERTAN reduced the risk of revision/reoperation by 64% (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.54, p <0.0001), implant failures by 62% (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.57, p<0.0001) and hip and thigh pain by 50% (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.71, p=0.0001) in unstable fractures. No differences were noted between IM nail designs for infection rates, healing time, non-union rates, femoral shortening, or Harris Hip Score.ConclusionsThe INTERTAN IM nail may reduce incidence of implant-related complications, hip and thigh pain, and the need for revision/reoperation without compromising clinical and functional outcomes.     

难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折的影像学特点及手术疗效

目的 :分析难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折的影像学特点,评价闭合撬拨复位髓内钉固定的手术疗效。方法 :自2011年12月至2015年10月,采用闭合撬拨复位髓内钉固定治疗28例难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折患者,男12例,女16例;年龄58~89岁,平均72岁。根据AO分型:A2.1型5例,A2.2型10例,A3.3型13例。观察术后并发症,复查X线片评价骨折愈合情况,采用Harris评分评价髋关节功能。结果:术前X线片判断难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折比较困难,但三维CT有特征性的表现:近骨折端向前旋转移位。手术时间45~100 min,平均65 min。术中出血80~300 ml,平均160 ml。2例患者术后3个月内死亡,26例患者获得随访,时间6~12个月,平均8.4个月。骨折愈合时间12~16周,平均13.6周。术后有2例患者存在内翻畸形,无伤口感染、骨折不愈合和内固定物失效。末次随访髋关节Harris评分为86.7±5.3,优14例,良12例。结论:难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折,术前三维CT可很好的进行预测。闭合撬拨复位髓内钉固定治疗难复位性股骨粗隆间骨折,临床效果满意。     

A carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone intramedullary nail improves fracture site visibility on postoperative radiographic images

IntroductionTo evaluate the advantages of a carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR/PEEK) intramedullary nail on the diagnosis of fracture healing because of its radiolucency, we retrospectively reviewed radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images of trochanteric femoral fractures that underwent internal fixation with the CFR/PEEK intramedullary nail or a traditional metallic intramedullary nail.MethodsRadiographs and CT images from 20 patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with a CFR/PEEK intramedullary nail and 20 similar patients treated with a metallic intramedullary nail were reviewed. After division of the intertrochanteric region into three zones on anteroposterior and lateral views of the radiographs, the visibilities of the fracture site, fracture line, and bone formation were evaluated in each zone. A three-grade assessment for existence of scattering and effect of scattering on diagnosis of the surrounding bone was performed on three axial slices of the CT images.ResultsIn the CFR/PEEK group, the fracture site was visible in all zones for all cases except for the posterior zone on the lateral view in one case. In the cranial and middle zones on anteroposterior views and the middle zone on lateral views of the radiographs, the visible fracture site rates in the CFR/PEEK group were significantly higher than those in the metal group. The grades for existence of scattering and effect of scattering on diagnosis of surrounding bone on the CT images were significantly lower in the CFR/PEEK group compared with the metal group.ConclusionSuperior fracture site visibility on radiographs was demonstrated in cases treated with the CFR/PEEK intramedullary nail compared with cases treated with the traditional metallic intramedullary nail, thereby confirming the advantages of the CFR/PEEK intramedullary nail for evaluation of fracture reduction and bone formation. The CFR/PEEK nail evoked little scattering on CT images, leading to higher diagnostic values for the peri-prosthetic cancellous and cortical bone compared with the metallic nail.     

Sliding hip screw versus intramedullary nail for trochanteric hip fractures; a randomised trial of 1000 patients with presentation of results related to fracture stability

AimsTo determine the optimum choice of implant for a patient with a the different types of trochanteric hip fracture.Patients and methods1000 patients with a trochanteric hip fracture were randomised to internal fixation of the fracture with either a Sliding Hip Screw or an intramedullary nail. Fractures were subdivided into two part fractures, comminuted fractures and fractures at the level of the lesser trochanter (reversed/oblique and transverse). Functional assessment for up to one year from injury was undertaken by a research nurse blinded to the treatment allocation.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 82 years and 77% were female. There was a significantly improved regain of mobility for those treated with the intramedullary nail. No statistically significant differences between the two types of fixation methods was observed for mortality, fracture healing complications, re-operations, hospital stay, length of surgery, blood transfusion requirements, medical complications, degree of residual pain or regain of independence. These finding were valid for all fracture types.ConclusionThis study is the first adequately powered randomised trial on this topic and demonstrates that there are no notable differences in either process or functional outcomes between these two treatment methods, other than a tendency to better regain of mobility for those fractures fixed with an intramedullary nail.     

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

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

Comparison of the intramedullary nail and low-profile plate for unstable metacarpal neck fractures

BackgroundThere is no robust evidence for the best treatment practice for metacarpal neck fractures. The purpose of this comparative study was to investigate whether the intramedullary nail or low-profile plate allows for good clinical and radiological results for displaced metacarpal neck fractures.MethodsWe prospectively reviewed 30 patients with a displaced metacarpal neck fracture who underwent surgery: 15 with intramedullary nails and 15 with low-profile plates. Radiographic and clinical outcomes of both groups were compared. Objective findings of range of finger motion and grip strength were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsThere was no non-union, and postoperative complications included extensor tendon rupture in one and transient ulnar nerve neuritis in two. Radiological parameters after the fracture healing were comparable between the two groups. Postoperative range of finger motion was better in patients with the intramedullary nail, and acquired grip strength in the low-profile plate group was superior to that in the intramedullary nail group.ConclusionsThe current results indicate that both procedures are highly effective in maintaining fracture restorations. Plate fixation provides earlier recovery of powerful hand function, and intramedullary nailing allows a wide range of finger motion.     

Single screw type of lag screw results higher reoperation rate in the osteosynthesis of basicervical hip fracture

BackgroundBasicervical hip fractures are relatively rare with greater biomechanical instability compared to the other types of hip fractures. Several studies have reported ambivalent surgical outcomes of basicervical hip fractures. The purpose of this multicenter study was to analyze surgical outcomes of basicervical hip fractures according to the fixation type of proximal femur and lag screw type.MethodsAmong 3220 hip fractures, 145 were classified as basicervical hip fractures. Of those, 106 patients treated with osteosynthesis were included to analyze the surgical complications according to fixation type of proximal femur: sliding hip screw(SHS) and cephalomedullary nail (CMN) groups. Surgical complications including the excessive displacement of fracture and the occurrence of reoperation were evaluated at the final follow up. We further evaluated surgical complications according to lag screw type with subgroup analysis in CMN group: single screw type, blade type and two integrated screw type.ResultsTen patients (9.4%) sustained surgical complications (5 excessive displacements and 5 reoperations). For fixation type of proximal femur, SHS group showed higher tendency of excessive displacement despite no statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.060). For lag screw type with subgroup analysis in CMN group, single screw type showed statistically high rates of reoperation compared to the other types of lag screw (p = 0.022).ConclusionBasicervical hip fractures treated with osteosynthesis resulted to high rates of surgical complications in this study. However, they could be drastically reduced if CMN with blade type or two integrated screw type were used in the osteosynthesis of basicervical hip fractures.