How to prevent cut-out and cut-through in biaxial proximal femoral nails: is there anything beyond lag screw positioning and tip–apex distance?

Purpose

Hip perforation is a major complication in proximal femoral nailing. For biaxial nails, knowledge of their biomechanics is limited. Besides re-evaluation of accepted risk factors like the tip–apex distance (TAD), we analysed the influence of anti-rotational pin length.

Methods

We compared 22 hip perforation cases to 50 randomly chosen controls. TAD, lag-screw position, angle between lag-screw and femoral neck axis, lag-screw gliding capacity, displacement and anti-rotational pin length were investigated.

Results

Hip perforation was associated with a higher angle of deviation between lag-screw and femoral neck axis (p = 0.001), a lower telescoping capacity of the lag screw (p = 0.02), and higher TAD (p = 0.048). If the anti-rotational pin exceeded a line connecting the tip of the nail and the lag screw (NS line), hip perforation incidence was increased (p = 0.009). Inadequate pin length resulted in an odds ratio of 10.8 for hip perforation (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In biaxial nails anti-rotational element positioning is underestimated, however, crucial.     

Enhanced trabecular micro-architecture of the femoral neck in hip osteoarthritis vs. healthy controls: a micro-computer tomography study in postmenopausal women

Purpose

A controversial relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and bone fragility has been attracting considerable attention. However, despite interest in the effects of OA on femoral neck fracture risk and numerous studies analysing the changes in the arthritic femoral head, there is insufficient data about femoral neck 3D bone micro-architecture in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. We compared trabecular micro-architecture of the femoral neck between postmenopausal women with coxarthrosis and controls to explore whether coxarthrosis may indicate reduced bone fragility from the trabecular micro-architectural perspective.

Methods

The study sample included nine women with hip osteoarthritis and 13 age-matched controls. The femoral neck sections were scanned using micro-computed tomography, evaluating the cancellous bone from the superolateral and inferomedial neck subregions.

Results

Osteoarthritic subjects demonstrated a general trend of improved trabecular micro-architecture in both analysed subregions when compared with age-matched controls. In particular, several architectural properties that are important predictors of cancellous bone strength showed significantly better values in the OA group, even after adjusting for bone volume fraction. Namely, the OA group expressed higher trabecular connectivity (p = 0.008), lower SMI indicating more plate-like structure (p = 0.005), and reduced anisotropy (p = 0.006) particularly in the inferomedial neck. Osteoarthritic cases also trended towards higher BV/TV, particularly in the superolateral neck. All micro-architectural parameters displayed significant regional heterogeneity (p ≤ 0.01), with the inferomedial neck region showing more favourable values than the superolateral region.

Conclusions

Enhanced trabecular micro-architecture of the femoral neck in postmenopausal osteoarthritic subjects suggests reduced cancellous bone fragility in comparison with their age-matched healthy controls.     

Fatigue performance of angle-stable tibial nail interlocking screws

Purpose

Tibial nail interlocking screw failure often occurs during delayed fracture consolidation or at early weight bearing of nailed unstable fractures, in general when high implant stress could not be reduced by other means. Is there a biomechanical improvement in long-term performance of angle stable locking screws compared to conventional locking screws for distal locking of intramedullary tibial nails?

Methods

Surrogate bones of human tibiae were cut in the distal third and distal locking of the 10 mm intramedullary tibial nail was performed with either two angle stable locking screws or two conventional locking screws in the mediolateral plane. Six specimens per group were mechanically tested under quasi-static and cyclic axial loading with constantly increasing force.

Results

Angle stable locking screw constructs exhibited significantly higher stiffness values (7,809 N/mm ± 647, mean ± SD) than conventional locking screw constructs (6,614 N/mm ± 859, p = 0.025). Angle stable locking screw constructs provided a longer fatigue life, expressed in a significantly higher number of cycles to failure (187,200 ± 18,100) compared to conventional locking screw constructs (128,700 ± 7,000, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Fatigue performance of locking screws can be ameliorated by the use of angle stable locking screws, being especially important if the nail acts as load carrier and an improved stability during fracture healing is needed.     

Influencing factors for the increased stem version compared to the native femur in cementless total hip arthroplasty

Purpose

Stem version is not always equivalent to femoral neck version (native version) in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). We therefore examined the discrepancy of version between the native femoral neck and stem using pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT), the level of the femur where the canal version most closely fit the stem version, and the factors influencing version discrepancy between the native femoral neck and stem.

Methods

A total of 122 hips in 122 patients who underwent primary THA using a metaphyseal-fit stem through the postero-lateral approach were included. Pre- and postoperative CT images were utilized to measure native and stem version, and the version of the femoral canal at four levels relative to the lesser trochanter.

Results

The mean native and stem versions were 28.1 ± 11.0° and 38.0 ± 11.2°, respectively, revealing increased stem version with a mean difference of 9.8° (p < 0.0001). A total of 84 hips (68.9 %) revealed an increase in version greater than 5°. Femoral canal version at the level of the lesser trochanter most closely approximated that of stem version. Among the factors analysed, both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that greater degrees of native version and anterior stem tilt significantly reduced the version discrepancy between the native femoral neck and stem version.

Conclusions

Since a cementless stem has little version adjustability in the femoral canal, these findings are useful for surgeons in preoperative planning and to achieve proper component placement in THA.     

The Locking Compression Paediatric Hip Plate?: technical guide and critical analysis

Purpose

Osteotomies of the proximal femur and stable fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures are demanding operations. An LCP Paediatric Hip Plate™ was developed to make these operations safer and less demanding. The article focuses on the surgical technique and critically analyses the device.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2008, 30 hips in 22 patients underwent surgery. Patients’ demographics, perioperative details, postoperative outcome and complications were retrospectively collected and analysed.

Results

Patients’ diagnoses included persistent congenital hip dysplasia (n = 4), neuropathic hip dysplasia (n = 9), idiopathic ante/retroversion (n = 8), femoral neck fracture (n = 3), Perthes’ disease (n = 2), deformity after slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), congenital femoral neck pseudarthrosis, deformity after pelvic tumour resection and malunion following proximal femoral fracture (one each). In 21 of 22 patients, the postoperative radiographs showed corrections as planned. Two cases had to be revised for screw loosening. Intraoperative handling using the plate was excellent in all cases.

Conclusions

In our case series of 30 hip operations, the LCP Paediatric Hip Plate™ was shown to be safe and applicable in the clinical setting with excellent results and a low complication rate. We consider that the LCP Paediatric Hip Plate™ is a valuable device for correction of pathological conditions of the proximal femur and for fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in children. Larger studies should be carried out to better quantify the risk of clinically relevant complications.     

Improved outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring autografts and additional bone plug augmentation at five year follow-up

Purpose

Hybrid fixation has been proposed to improve outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. This study evaluated midterm outcomes after transfemoral graft fixation using either a conventional or a modified technique using additional bone plug augmentation (BPA) of the femoral tunnel aperture.

Methods

Seventy-one consecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a quadrupled hamstring autograft with transfemoral graft fixation and tibial interference screw fixation were included. Of these, 56 patients could be followed up 61 months (range 52–69 months) after ACL reconstruction both clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (group A, conventional technique, n = 34; group B, modified technique, n = 22). Anteroposterior (AP) laxity measurements and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity scoring were performed, while imaging included assessment of bone tunnel diameters, graft condition and graft filling at the femoral bone tunnel aperture.

Results

Patients with additional BPA had a significantly higher degree of graft filling at the femoral bone tunnel aperture (p = .0135) and ‘healthier’ grafts (p = .0495). They also tended to display less AP laxity difference in terms of mean differences and total patient numbers. Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner activity index scores and bone tunnel diameters were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Additional BPA is an easy-to-perform, cheap and safe manoeuvre, which has the capacity to improve morphological and clinical outcomes at five year follow-up. However, femoral tunnel widening is unaffected by additional BPA.     

Anterior internal fixator versus a femoral distractor and external fixation for sacroiliac joint compression and single stance gait testing: a mechanical study in synthetic bone

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and compressive forces across the sacroiliac (SI) joint of an anterior internal fixator compared to the femoral distractor and external fixator for vertically unstable pelvic fractures.

Methods

Five composite pelvises with a simulated APC type III injury fixed with a femoral distractor, external fixator, or anterior internal fixator were tested. A pressure-sensitive film (Tekscan) was placed in the disrupted SI joint recording the magnitude of force. Then, in a single-leg stance model (Instron machine), a load was applied through the sacrum. We recorded displacement at the pubic symphysis and SI joint using high-speed video. Peak load and displacement were measured, and axial stiffness was calculated. Values were compared using a Student’s t-test (p < 0.05).

Results

The SI joint was compressed significantly (p < 0.001) more using the anterior internal fixator (18.9 N) and femoral distractor (18.6 N) than the two-pin external fixator (2.5 N). There was no significant difference between the anterior internal fixator and the femoral distractor in displacement at the SI joint. The pubic symphysis displaced less with the femoral distractor than the anterior internal fixator (5.5 mm vs. 4.1 mm; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The anterior pedicle screw internal fixator allows for indirect compression across the sacroiliac joint that is superior to two-pin external fixation and comparable to the femoral distractor. The anterior internal fixator may be an option for temporary anterior pelvic fixation in situations where external fixation or the femoral distractor have otherwise been used.     

Internal fixation of femoral neck fractures with posterior comminution: a biomechanical comparison of DHS® and Intertan nail®

Background and purpose

Internal fixation is a therapeutic mainstay for treatment of undisplaced femoral neck fractures and fractures without posterior comminution. The best treatment for unstable and comminuted fractures, however, remains controversial, especially in older patients. The present study was designed to assess the utility of the Intertan Nail® (IT) for stabilization of comminuted Pauwels type III fractures compared to dynamic hips screw (DHS).

Methods

Randomized on the basis of bone mineral density, 32 human femurs were assigned to four groups. Pauwels type III fractures were osteomized with a custom-made saw guide. In 16 specimens the posteromedial support was removed and all femurs were instrumented with an IT or a DHS. All constructs were tested with nondestructive axial loading to 700N, cyclical compression to 1,400N (10,000 cycles), and loading to failure. Outcome measures included number of survived cycles, mechanical stiffness, head displacement and load to failure.

Results

Postoperative mechanical stiffness and stiffness after cyclical loading were significantly reduced in all constructs regardless of the presence of a comminution defect (p = 0.02). Specimens stabilized with the IT had a lower construct displacement (IT, 8.5 ± 0.5 mm vs. DHS, 14.5 ± 2.2 mm; p = 0.007) and sustained higher failure loads (IT, 4929 ± 419 N vs. DHS, 3505 ± 453 N; p = 0.036) than the DHS constructs.

Interpretation

In comminuted Pauwels type III fractures, the fixation with the IT provided sufficient postoperative mechanical strength, comparable rate of femoral head displacement, and a similar tolerance of physiological loads compared to fractures without comminution. The absence of the posteromedial support in comminuted fractures tended to reduce the failure load regardless of the fixation method.     

Post-traumatic coxa vara in children following screw fixation of the femoral neck

Background and purpose

The rare displaced fractures of the femoral neck in children need accurate reduction and rigid fixation. The implants commonly used for internal fixation in children are pins or screws. We evaluated the long-term outcome in children who sustained fractures of the proximal femur that were treated by screw fixation.

Patients and methods

All 22 children (mean age 12 (5–16) years) with fractures of the femoral neck that were treated with screw fixation (mean 2.4 (1–3) screws) at our department between 1990 and 2006 were evaluated. For measurement of outcome, the Harris hip score (HHS) was used and the development of post-traumatic coxa vara was assessed from the difference in the neck-shaft angle postoperatively and at the latest follow-up examination, after mean 4 (2–15) years.

Results

A loss of reduction was observed in 12 patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between the HHS and the changes in the neck-shaft angle.

Interpretation

Loss of reduction was found in more than half of the children. Screw fixation cannot be recommended for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in children due to a substantial number of post-traumatic coxa vara.     

Dual mobility cup reduces dislocation and re-operation when used to treat displaced femoral neck fractures

Purpose

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) as primary treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures is controversial as THA is associated with higher rates of dislocation but lower rates of re-operation compared to hemiarthroplasty (HA). A dual mobility cup (DMC) design is associated with lower dislocation and re-operation rates in elective surgery. Is this also the case when used to treat displaced femoral neck fractures? The aim of this study is to compare rates of dislocation and re-operation of any kind following treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures with either bipolar HA or THA with DMC.

Methods

Two consecutive groups of patients treated for displaced femoral neck fractures at the Regional Hospital in Viborg in Denmark were included. In 2007–2008 171 patients (mean age 84.1 years) were treated with bipolar HA. In 2009–2010 175 patients (mean age 75.2 years) were treated with THA with DMC. Data regarding rates of dislocation and re-operation were obtained by retrospective review of medical records.

Results

We found a statistically significant difference regarding rates of dislocation and re-operation of any kind in favour of THA with DMC. Dislocation occurred in 25/171 patients [95 % confidence interval (CI) 9.3–19.9 %] treated with bipolar HA and 8/175 patients (95 % CI 1.5–7.7 %) treated with THA with DMC (p = 0.002). Re-operations were required in 32/171 patients (95 % CI 12.9–24.6 %) treated with bipolar HA and 16/175 patients (95 % CI 4.8–13.4 %) treated with THA with DMC (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that THA with DMC is superior to bipolar HA following treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures in regard to rates of dislocation and re-operation.     

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on osteochondral defects treated with mosaicplasty

Purpose

This study investigated the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on articular surfaces on which the mosaicplasty technique was performed. Our hypothesis was that PRP can accelerate the osseointegration process and enhance the quality of articular integrity after the mosaicplasty procedure.

Methods

Standard defects were created in the femoral groove of both patellofemoral joints of 12 New Zealand rabbits. PRP solution was placed inside the defect before fixation of the osteochondral autografts and injected inside the involved joint after capsular closure of the tested knees. The contralateral knees served as the control sides. The animals were euthanized three or six weeks after mosaicplasty, and both limbs were assessed according to Pineda’s histological grading scale. Significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05 a priori, and the Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Histologic findings at the interface between the transferred autograft and the original cartilage revealed better integration of the adjacent surfaces in the mosaicplasty with PRP group three weeks after the procedure; the difference was significant (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the transition zone was observed between the groups six weeks after the experiment (p = 0.59).

Conclusions

Our animal model showed that adjunctive use of PRP produced a better healing response and resulted in superior histological scores after three weeks compared with the mosaicplasty-only procedure. Interpretation of our results is important in terms of rapid return to previous activity levels. Thus, application of PRP can represent a valid therapeutic option for improving the efficacy of mosaicplasty by stimulating the local healing response.     

Anterolateral approach using tibial tubercle osteotomy for total knee arthroplasty: can we predict failure?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for the occurrence of complications in a consecutive series of patients who underwent step-cut tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) and subsequent screw refixation in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Using standardised conventional radiographs, critical parameters including TTO length and depth, proximal abutment width (OT), and orientation and placement of fixation screws were measured in 422 patients (mean age of 71 years and a follow-up time range of one to five years) with two screw fixations.

Results

Medial spatial orientation in the distal screw (11 %, p=0.046), the TTO length (<55.4 mm, p=0.013), the OT width (<14 mm, p=0.002) and the distance of the distal refixation screw from the TKA (<51.7 mm, p=0.003) were significant factors for the occurrence of complications.

Conclusions

Age, gender, comorbidities, height, weight and/or the body mass index had no significant influence on the occurrence of complications. The TTO-related complication rate was 3 %. Consideration of these key surgical factors leads to improved outcomes.     

Screw placement in percutaneous acetabular surgery: gender differences of anatomical landmarks in a cadaveric study

Purpose

Percutaneous reduction and periarticular screw implantation techniques have been successfully introduced in acetabular surgery. The advantages of this less invasive approach are attenuated by higher risks of screw misplacement. Anatomical landmarks are strongly needed to prevent malplacement. This cadaver study was designed to identify reliable anatomical osseous landmarks in the pelvic region for screw placement in acetabular surgery. Gender differences were specifically addressed.

Methods

Twenty-seven embalmed cadaveric hemipelvic specimens (13 male, 14 female) were used. After soft-tissue removal, anterior and posterior column acetabular screw placement was conducted by one orthopaedic trauma surgeon under direct vision. Each column was addressed by antegrade and retrograde screw insertion. Radiographic verification of ideal screw placement was followed by assessment of the distance from the different entry points to adjoining anatomical osseous structures.

Results

For anterior column screw positioning, the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), posterior inferior iliac spine (PIIS), iliopectineal eminence and centre of the symphysis were most reliable regarding gender differences. For posterior column screw positioning, the distance to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the ischial tuberosity showed the lowest deviation between the different gender specimens. Highest gender differences were seen in relation to the cranial rim of the superior pubic ramus in retrograde anterior column screw positioning (p = 0.002). Most landmarks could be targeted within a 2.5-cm range in all specimens.

Conclusions

The findings emphasise the relevance of osseous landmarks in acetabular surgery. By adhering to easily identifiable structures, screw placement can be safely performed. Significant gender differences must be taken into consideration during preoperative planning.     

Evaluation eines 2-D-fluoroskopiebasierten Navigationssystems zur Implantation von Schenkelhalsschrauben

Introduction

The aim of this study was the evaluation of a new computer-assisted planning and navigation system based on 2D-fluoroscopy for guidewire insertion in order to perform cannulated screw placement into the femoral neck. The image acquisition process was supported by a radiation-saving procedure called Zero-dose C-arm navigation.

Material and methods

In the context of a sawbone study, we performed insertion of 3 cannulated screws positioned under navigation control as well as using the conventional technique in 12 sawbones. Both procedures were performed using open and closed techniques.

Results

The computer-assisted technique significantly reduced the amount of intraoperative fluoroscopic images (open technique: ?14±3 images, closed technique: ?29.4±6 images). Drilling attempts were reduced in the computer-assisted groups (open technique: ?1.2±1 attempts, closed technique: ?1.7±1.5 attempts) and the femoral neck area covered by the screws was greater in the navigation-assisted groups (open technique: +32.1±16.3?mm², closed technique: +32.6±14.9?mm²), There was no difference concerning parallelism of the screws or perforation of femoral neck or head. The operation time was significantly longer in the navigation-assisted groups (open technique: +24.2±2.1?min, closed technique: +22.8±5.8?min).

Conclusion

The addition of computer-assisted planning and surgical guidance supported by Zero-dose C-arm navigation can be useful for the fixation of medial femoral neck fractures with cannulated screws. Further studies with the goal of reducing the operation time are indispensable before integrating this navigation system into the clinical workflow.     

Proximal femoral nails compared with reverse distal femoral locking plates in intertrochanteric fractures with a compromised lateral wall; a randomised controlled trial

Purpose

There is no consensus about the best option of internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The aim of the present study was to compare proximal femoral nail (PFN) with contralateral reverse distal femoral locking compression plate (reverse-DFLCP) in the management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with compromised lateral wall.

Method

In a randomized controlled study, from November 2011 to October 2012, 40 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures with compromised lateral wall (AO 31A 2.2 to 3.3) had osteosynthesis by PFN (n = 20) or reverse-DFLCP (n = 20). Intra-operative variables compared were duration of surgery, blood loss during surgery, fluoroscopy time and surgeons perception of the surgery. Patients were followed up clinically for a minimum of one year. Functional outcome was assessed by Parker Palmer mobility score (PPMS), Harris hip score (HHS), and Short Form-12. Failure was defined as any condition which would necessitate revision surgery with change of implant.

Results

Duration of surgery (p = 0.022), blood loss during surgery (p = 0.008) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.0001) were significantly less in the PFN group than in the reverse-DFLCP group. No significant difference was found in type of reduction, difficulty in reduction and surgeon’s perception of surgery. The PFN group had better functional outcome than the reverse-DFLCP group. HHS for the PFN group was 81.53 ± 13.21 and for the reverse-DFLCP group it was 68.43 ± 14.36 (p = 0.018). SF-12 physical (p = 0.002) and mental component (p = 0.007) scores in the PFN group was significantly better than in the reverse-DFLCP group. There was one failure in the PFN group as compared to six in the reverse-DFLCP group (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Due to favourable intra-operative variables, better functional outcome and lower failure rates, we conclude that PFN is a better implant than reverse-DFLCP for intertrochanteric fractures with compromised lateral wall.Keyword: Unstable intertrochanteric fractures, Lateral wall, Proximal femoral nail, Reverse distal femoral locking compression plate     

Critical analysis of tibial fracture healing following unreamed nailing

Purpose

Unreamed nails have revolutionised the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Many authors, however, have reported increasing bone healing complications with these implants. Unfortunately, few studies have addressed the factors affecting bone healing after unreamed tibial nailing.

Methods

One-hundred and sixty tibial fractures in 158 patients (mean age 39.5 years) fixed using unreamed nails were reviewed. There were 78 AO type-A, 65 type-B and 17 type-C fractures (115 closed and 45 open fractures). Twelve patient, injury and surgery variables were analysed for their influence on fracture healing.

Results

Union occurred in all fractures after a mean time of 24.3 weeks. Additional surgery to achieve union, apart from dynamisation, was done in nine (6%) cases. The most important variables affecting healing were the mechanism of trauma (p = 0.005), fracture site gap (p = 0.01), degree of comminution (p = 0.0003), associated soft tissue injuries (p = 0.02) and the time to dynamisation (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

High-energy trauma and fracture comminution have a negative impact on bone union and require close follow-up. It is essential to avoid distraction over three millimetres with unreamed nailing. Dynamisation is advised within ten weeks in axially stable fractures to encourage bone healing and avoid failure of the locking screws.     

Radiographic quantification of dynamic hip screw migration

Purpose

This study aimed to propose a technique to quantify dynamic hip screw (DHS®) migration on serial anteroposterior (AP) radiographs by accounting for femoral rotation and flexion.

Methods

Femoral rotation and flexion were estimated using radiographic projections of the DHS® plate thickness and length, respectively. The method accuracy was evaluated using a synthetic femur fixed with a DHS® and positioned at pre-defined rotation and flexion settings. Standardised measurements of DHS® migration were trigonometrically adjusted for femoral rotation and flexion, and compared with unadjusted estimates in 34 patients.

Results

The mean difference between the estimated and true femoral rotation and flexion values was 1.3° (95 % CI 0.9–1.7°) and −3.0° (95 % CI – 4.2° to −1.9°), respectively. Adjusted measurements of DHS® migration were significantly larger than unadjusted measurements (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

The presented method allows quantification of DHS® migration with adequate bias correction due to femoral rotation and flexion.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00264-013-2146-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.     

Comparison of Kirschner wires and AO cannulated screw internal fixation for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture in children

Purpose

This retrospective study compares Kirschner wires versus 3.5-mm diameter AO cannulated screw internal fixation in treatment for the displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.

Methods

The study included 62 patients (42 boys, 20 girls; mean age 6.93 years; age range two to 14 years) with displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures. All patients were treated by open reduction and Kirschner wires or cannulated screw fixation. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the criteria of Hardacre et al. The mean follow-up period was 39.4 months (range 21–95 months).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in clinical outcome between these two groups (P > 0.05). Five patients (16.7%) developed skin infection around K-wires, while no infection occurred in fracture with screws. An obvious lateral prominence occurred in 11 (36.7%) patients with K-wires and four (12.5%) patients with screws. Nine (30%) patients with K-wires and two (6.3%) patients with screws had a lack of 10° of extension of the elbow compared with the other side.

Conclusion

Both K-wires and cannulated screw fixation are effective in treatment for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture. K-wires can pass through the ossific nucleus of capitulum without damaging it, but a longer period of external fixation and local skin care will be required. The screws can reduce the possibility of lateral prominence and promote the function of elbow by continuously stabilising the fracture, but a second operation is need for screw removal.     

Implementing a clinical pathway for hip fractures; effects on hospital length of stay and complication rates in five hundred and twenty six patients

Purpose

Modern management of the elderly with a hip fracture is complex and costly. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment-related hospital length of stay (HLOS) before and after implementing a clinical pathway for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective, before-and-after study. The first period ranged from June 21, 2008 to November 1, 2009 (N = 212), and the second was from January 7, 2010 to July 7, 2011 (N = 314). The electronic hospital system and patients records were reviewed for demographics, HLOS, mortality, complications and readmissions.

Results

In the first period 53 % had a femoral neck fracture, of which 57 % were treated with hemiarthroplasty. In the second period this was 46 % and 71 %. Pertrochanteric fractures were treated with a Gamma nail in 85 % in the first period, and in 92 % in the second period. The median HLOS decreased from nine to six days (p < 0.001). For the hemiarthroplasty group HLOS decreased from nine to seven days (p < 0.001); for internal fixation there was no significant difference (five versus six days, p = 0.557) and after Gamma nailing it decreased from ten to six days (p < 0.001). For mortality no statistically significant difference was found (6 % versus 5 %, p = 0.698). Complications decreased for the Gamma nail group (44 % versus 31 %, p = 0.049). Readmissions for the total group were not different (16 % versus 17 %, p = 0.720).

Conclusions

Implementing a clinical pathway for hip fractures is a safe way to reduce the HLOS and it improves the quality of care.