Proximal Femur Bionic Nail (PFBN): A Panacea for Unstable Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture

With the aging population,intertrochanteric femur fracture in the elderly has become one of the most serious public health issues and a hot topic of research in trauma orthopedics.Due to the limitations of internal fixation techniques and the insufficient mechanical design of nails,the occurrence of complications delays patient recovery after surgical treatment.Design of a proximal femur bionic nail(PFBN)based on Zhang’s N triangle theory provides triangular supporting fixation,which dramatically decreases the occurrence of complications and has been widely used for clinical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture worldwide.In this work,we developed an equivalent biomechanical model to analyze improvement in bone remodeling of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture through PFBN use.The results show that compared with proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA)and InterTan,PFBN can dramatically decrease the maximum strain in the proximal femur.Based on Frost’s mechanostat theory,the local mechanical environment in the proximal femur can be regulated into the medium overload region by using a PFBN,which may render the proximal femur in a state of physiological overload,favoring post-operative recovery of intertrochanteric femur fracture in the elderly.This work shows that PFBN may constitute a panacea for unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture and provides insights into improving methods of internal fixation.

Treatment of a femoral neck fracture combined with ipsilateral femoral head and intertrochanteric fractures: A case report

BACKGROUND This article presents a rare case of a complex hip fracture involving the ipsilateral femoral neck,trochanter,and femoral head,that was accompanied by hip dislocation.Currently,there is no established standard treatment method for this specific type of fracture.Therefore,it is crucial to comprehensively consider factors such as patient age,fracture type,and degree of displacement to achieve a successful outcome.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old man sustained a comminuted fracture of his right hip as a result of a car accident.The injuries included a fracture of the femoral head,a fracture of the femoral neck,an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur,and a posterior dislocation of the hip on the same side.We opted for a treatment approach combining the use of a proximal femoral locking plate,cannulated screws,and Kirschner wires.Following the surgery,we developed an individualized rehabil-itation program to restore patient limb function.CONCLUSION For this complex fracture,we selected appropriate internal fixation and for-mulated individualized rehabilitation,which ultimately achieved good results.

Comparative efficacy of proximal femoral nail vs dynamic condylar screw in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures

BACKGROUND Among the most frequent hip fractures are trochanteric fractures,which usually occur from low-energy trauma like minor falls,especially in older people with osteoporotic bones.AIM To evaluate the treatment efficacy of dynamic condylar screws(DCS)and proximal femoral nails(PFN)for unstable intertrochanteric fractures.METHODS To find pertinent randomized controlled trials and retrospective observational studies comparing PFN with DCS for the management of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures,a thorough search was carried out.For research studies published between January 1996 and April 2024,PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,and Google Scholar were all searched.The complete texts of the papers were retrieved,vetted,and independently examined by two investigators.Disputes were settled by consensus,and any disagreements that persisted were arbitrated by a third author.RESULTS This study included six articles,comprising a total of 173 patients.Compared to the DCS,the PFN had a shorter operation time[mean difference(MD):-41.7 min,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-63.04 to-20.35,P=0.0001],higher success rates with closed reduction techniques[risk ratio(RR):34.05,95%CI:11.12-104.31,P<0.00001],and required less intraoperative blood transfusion(MD:-1.4 units,95%CI:-1.80 to-1.00,P<0.00001).Additionally,the PFN showed shorter fracture union time(MD:-6.92 wk,95%CI:-10.27 to-3.57,P<0.0001)and a lower incidence of reoperation(RR:0.37,95%CI:0.17-0.82,P=0.01).However,there was no discernible variation regarding hospital stay,implant-related complications,and infections.CONCLUSION Compared to DCS,PFN offers shorter operative times,reduces the blood transfusions requirements,achieves higher closed reduction success,enables faster fracture healing,and lowers reoperation incidence.

Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of the Gamma3 nail vs Gamma3U-blade system in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures

BACKGROUND The traditional Gamma3 nail is a mainstream treatment for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.Literature reports that the Gamma3U-blade system can increase the stability of the Gamma3 nail and reduce complication incidence.However,comparative studies between the Gamma3U-blade and Gamma3 systems are limited;hence,this meta-analysis was performed to explore the clinical efficacy of these two surgical methods.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of Gamma3 and Gamma3 U-blade for intertrochanteric fractures.METHODS A computerized search for Chinese and English literature published from 2010 to 2022 was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane,CNKI,Wanfang,and VIP databases.The search keywords were gamma 3,gamma 3 U blade,and intertrochanteric fracture.Additionally,literature tracking was performed on the references of published literature.The data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 software.Two individuals checked the inputs for accuracy.Continuous variables were described using mean difference and standard deviation,and outcome effect sizes were expressed using ratio OR and 95%confidence interval(CI).High heterogeneity was considered at(P<0.05,I2>50%),moderate heterogeneity at I2 from 25%to 50%,and low heterogeneity at(P≥0.05,I2<50%).RESULTS Following a comprehensive literature search,review,and analysis,six articles were selected for inclusion in this study.This selection comprised five articles in English and one in Chinese,with publication years spanning from 2016 to 2022.The study with the largest sample size,conducted by Seungbae in 2021,included a total of 304 cases.Statistical analysis:A total of 1063 patients were included in this meta-analysis.The main outcome indicators were:Surgical time:The Gamma3U blade system had a longer surgical time compared to Gamma3 nails(P=0.006,I2=76%).Tip-apex distance:No statistical significance or heterogeneity was observed(P=0.65,I2=0%).Harris Hip score:No statistical significance was found,and low heterogeneity was detected(P=0.26,I2=22%).Union time:No statistical significance was found,and high heterogeneity was detected(P=0.05,I2=75%).CONCLUSION Our study indicated that the Gamma3 system reduces operative time compared to the Gamma3 U-blade system in treating intertrochanteric fractures.Both surgical methods proved to be safe and effective for this patient group.These findings may offer valuable insights and guidance for future surgical protocols in hip fracture patients.

Malnutrition and Its Association with the Mortality of Patients with Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Japanese Patients

Background: The incidence of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in older adults is higher than that of femoral neck fractures;however, both conditions are often analyzed together as proximal femoral fractures. Considering the difference in treatment, postoperative complication, and mortality risk, these two fractures should be analyzed separately. This study aimed to analyze 1-year mortality and its risk factors in patients with surgically treated femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent surgical interventions at our institution between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 238 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. Patients’ demographic and clinical information were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the 1-year mortality (n = 16) and survival (n = 222) groups. The incidence of 1-year mortality and its independent risk factors were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The mean age of patients was 85.6 ± 8.5 years. The 1-year mortality rate was 6.7% (16/238). Preoperative albumin level, the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and malnutrition status (GNRI p = 0.02, p = 0.02, and p = 0.0011, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that malnutrition status (GNRI p = 0.035) was an independent risk factor for 1-year mortality. Conclusion: Malnutrition status assessed using GNRI (GNRI < 92) was an independent risk factor for 1-year mortality. Our findings suggest that GNRI may be an effective screening tool for predicting postoperative 1-year mortality of patients with surgically treated femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Conversion hip arthroplasty for failed nailing of intertrochanteric fracture: Reflections on some important aspects

In this editorial,I present my comments on the article by Solarino et al.Conversion hip arthroplasty,which is an optional salvage procedure performed following unsuccessful fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly pati-ents,entails more complex processes and higher rates of operative complications than primary arthroplasty.Hence,it is important to consider the appropriateness of the primary treatment choice,as well as the adequacy of nailing fixation for intertrochanteric fractures.This article briefly analyzes the possible factors contributing to the nailing failure of intertrochanteric fractures and attempts to find corresponding countermeasures to prevent fixation failures.It also analyzes the choice of treatment between nailing fixation and primary arthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures.

Application of lesser trochanteric reduction fixator in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures

BACKGROUND Closed reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nails has been widely accepted for treating intertrochanteric fractures.AIM To focus on how to avoid displacement of the lesser trochanter in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.METHODS We developed a lesser trochanteric reduction fixator for treating intertrochanteric fractures through fixing the lesser trochanter by combining the loop plate through the fixator after reduction by the reducer.Five patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with the newly developed lesser trochanteric reduction fixator and loop plate combined with intramedullary nails,and 20 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with simple intramedullary nails were selected from December 2020 to March 2021.RESULTS The postoperative Harris hip score was significantly higher in patients treated with the lesser trochanteric reduction fixator than in patients treated without the lesser trochanteric reduction fixator,which indicated that this lesser trochanteric reduction fixator had a positive impact on rehabilitation of the hip joint after surgery and could significantly improve the quality of life of patients.CONCLUSION We fully realize the significance of trochanteric reduction and fixation,namely,reconstruction of structures under pressure,in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.As long as the general condition of patients is favorable and they are willing to undergo surgery,fixation of the main fracture end should be performed and the lesser trochanter should be reduced and fixed at the same time.

PFNA2 versus 95 Degree Condylar Blade Plate in the Management of Unstable Trochanteric Fractures

Purpose: The proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) is known to have advantages in enhancing the anchorage ability of internal fixation in elderly unstable osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture patients. However whether it is superior to condylar blade fixation is not clear. This study aimed to determine which treatment has better clinical outcomes in older patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 patients over the age of 60 with unstable trochanteric fractures within the past 3 weeks, were included in this prospective study conducted from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2021. All the intertrochanteric fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. Among them, 44 cases were treated with the Proximal Femoral Nail (PFNA2) with or without an augmentation screw, and 42 cases were treated with the Condylar Blade Plate. In addition, the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative weight-bearing time, hospitalization time, Harris score of hip function, Kyle’s criteria and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean duration of surgery for the PFN group was 66.8 minutes (on average), whereas for the condylar blade plate group, it was 99.30 minutes (on average). The PFNA2 group experienced less blood loss (average of 80 mL) compared to the condylar blade plate group (average of 120 mL). Union and partial weight-bearing occurred earlier in the PFNA2 group (14.1 weeks and 10.6 weeks, respectively) compared to the Condylar blade plate group (18.7 weeks and 15.8 weeks). In two patients from the PFNA2 group, screw backing out and varus collapse complications were encountered;however, these patients remained asymptomatic and did not require revision surgery. In two other patients, screw cut out and breakage of the nail at the helical screw hole leading to non-union of the proximal femur were observed during the nine-month follow-up, necessitating revision surgery with prosthetic replacement. Among the condylar blade plate group, three patients experienced complications, including blade breakage at the blade and plate junction. In two cases, the fracture united in varus, and in one case, the blade cut through, resulting in non-union of the femoral head, which required revision surgery. According to the Harris hip score and Kyle’s criteria, a good-excellent outcome was observed in 92.85% of cases in the PFNA2 group and 90.90% of cases in the condylar blade plate group. Conclusion: Both the Proximal Femoral Nail A2 and Condylar blade plate are effective implants for the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures. The intramedullary implant promotes biological healing and allows for early ambulation with minimal complications. Similarly satisfactory restoration of anatomy and favorable radiological and functional results can be achieved with the biological fixation provided by the 95-degree condylar blade plate. However, the use of PFNA2 internal fixation technique has the advantage of less trauma in elderly patients than the 95-degree condylar blade plate.

Trabecular Plate Loss and Deteriorating Elastic Modulus of Femoral Trabecular Bone in Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Osteoporotic hip fracture is associated with significant trabecular bone loss, which is typically characterized as low bone density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry （DXA） and altered microstructure by micro-computed tomography （pCT）. Emerging morphological analysis techniques, e.g. individual trabecula segmentation （ITS）, can provide additional insights into changes in plate-like and rod-like trabeculae, two major micro- structural types serving different roles in determining bone strength. Using ITS, we evaluated trabecular microstructure of intertrochanteric bone cores obtained from 23 patients undergoing hip replacement surgery for intertrochanteric fracture and 22 cadaveric controls. Micro-finite element （~FE） analyses were performed to further understand how the abnormalities seen by ITS might translate into effects on bone strength. ITS analyses revealed that, near fracture site, plate-like trabeculae were seriously depleted in fracture patients, but trabecular rod volume was maintained. Besides, decreased plate area and rod length were observed in fracture patients. Fracture patients also showed decreased elastic moduli and shear moduli of trabecular bone. These results provided evidence that in intertrochanteric hip fracture, preferential loss of plate-like trabeculae led to more rod-like microstructure and deteriorated mechanical competence adjacent to the fracture site, which increased our understanding of the biomechanical pathogenesis of hip fracture in osteoporosis.

Comparitive Study between Proximal Femoral Nailing and Dynamic Hip Screw in Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

Background: Internal fixation is appropriate for most intertrochanteric fractures. Optimal fixation is based on the stability of fracture. The mainstay of treatment of intertrochanteric fracture is fixation with a screw slide plate device or intramedullary device. So it is a matter of debate that which one is the best treatment, dynamic hip screw or proximal femoral nailing. Method: A prospective randomized and comparative study of 2 years duration was conducted on 60 patients admitted in the Department of Orthopedics in our hospital with intertrochanteric femur fracture. They were treated by a dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nail. Patients were operated under image intensifier control. The parameters studied were functional outcome of Harris hip score, total duration of operation, rate of union, amount of collapse. These values were statistically evaluated and two tailed p-values were calculated and both groups were statistically compared. Result: The average age of our patient is 67.8 years. Among the fracture, 31% were stable, 58% were unstable, 11% were reverse oblique fracture. The average blood loss was 100 and 250 ml in PFN and DHS group, respectively. In PFN there was more no. of radiation exposure intraoperatively. The average operating time for the patients treated with PFN was 45 min as compared to 70 min in patients treated with DHS. The patients treated with PFN started early ambulation as they had better Harris Hip Score in the early period (at 1 and 3 months). In the long term both the implants had almost similar functional outcomes. Conclusion: In our study we have found that the unstable pattern was more common in old aged patients with higher grade of osteoporosis and PFN group has a better outcome in this unstable and osteoporotic fracture. PFN group has less blood loss and less operating time compared to DHS group. In PFN group patients have started early ambulation compared to DHS group.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) is a common type of injury, and nearly 30% of ITF patients die in the first 12 mo, especially the elderly with limited activity. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in reducing traumatic and surgical bleeding, however, the paucity of studies regarding its use in orthopedic trauma surgery has limited its integration into this field, which may benefit most from TXA. The safety of TXA in this group has not achieved a consensus. AIM This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA in elderly ITF patients undergoing surgery. METHODS Databases, including Medline and PubMed, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published before October 2018 and that addressed the efficacy and safety of TXA in patients who underwent ITF surgery. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 Statement Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Trials without and with heterogeneity were compared by fixed-effects analysis and random-effects analysis, respectively. For each study, odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI and mean differences and 95%CI were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. The Power and Sample Size Program software was used to calculate power and sample size. Stability of the results was assessed via sensitivity analysis. RESULTS A total of 836 patients from eight RCTs were subjected to meta-analysis. TXA treatment compared with the control group significantly reduced postoperative blood loss (95%CI,-20.83 to -7.93 mL, P < 0.0001), hidden blood loss (95%CI,- 213.67 to -64.43 mL, P = 0.0003), and total blood loss (95%CI,-332.49 to -23.18 mL, P = 0.02) by weighted mean differences of -14.38,-139.05, and -177.83 mL, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between groups for analysis of intraoperative blood loss. The meta-analysis also proved that the usage of TXA in ITFs may not significantly increase the incidence of deep venous thrombosis. Allogeneic blood transfusion data showed that significantly fewer patients in the TXA group (42%) required transfusion than the control group (95%CI, 0.36 to 0.69;P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In ITF surgery, intravenous administration of TXA reduces the risk of hidden blood loss and the need for allogeneic transfusion, without increasing thrombotic risk.

Influence of early postoperative complication on the operative results in elderly intertrochanteric fractured patients

Objective： Early complications were analyzed in those with Evans Ⅲ type of intertrochanteric fracture treated with operation or nonoperative approaches. Methods：59 cases with Evans Ⅲ type of intertrochanteric fracture between June, 1999 to July, 2006 were admitted in our department. 38 patients were complicated with cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and arrhythmia. All the cases were operated. Results：58 cases were operated successfully. One died of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. Grade data of different age brackets indicated that early infective complications had apparent differences between the operation and the control group. Compared with the control group, the operation group had benefits such as fewer complications, especially the infective complications, and incidence of lower extremities venous thrombosis, and the results showed notable differences. Conclusion：In elderly patients with Evans Ⅲ type of intertrochanteric fracture, the incidence of pulmonary infection was the highest. Venous thrombosis in lower extremities was the most serious complication. So it will be helpful to perform the quadriceps femories function exercise. The postoperative effect is also related with the operation approach.

Arthroplasty vs proximal femoral nails for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients: a systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Proximal femoral nails(PFNs)are the most common method for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures(IFFs),but postoperative bed rest is required.There is a large amount of blood loss during the operation.Osteoporosis in elderly patients may cause nonunion of fractures and other complications.Arthroplasty can give patients early weight bearing and reduce financial burden,but whether it can replace PFNs remains controversial.AIM To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroplasty and PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly patients.METHODS A search was conducted in the PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases and included relevant articles comparing arthroplasty and PFN.The search time was limited from January 1,2005 to November 1,2020.Two investigators independently screened studies,extracted data and evaluated the quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.According to the research results,the fixed effect model or random effect model were selected for analysis.The following outcomes were analyzed:Harris Hip score,mortality,complications,operation time,blood loos,hospital stay,weight-bearing time,fracture classification and type of anesthesia.RESULTS We analyzed four randomized controlled trials that met the requirements.A total of 298 patients were included in these studies.According to the AO/OTA classification,there are 20 A1 types,136 A2 types,42 A3 types and 100 unrecorded types.Primary outcome:The Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up of the PFN group was higher[mean difference(MD):9.01,95%confidence interval(CI):16.57 to 1.45),P=0.02].There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall mortality[risk ratio(RR):1.44,P=0.44]or the number of complications(RR:0.77,P=0.05).Secondary outcomes:blood loss of the arthroplasty group was higher(MD:241.01,95%CI:43.06–438.96,P=0.02);the operation time of the PFN group was shorter(MD:23.12,95%CI:10.46–35.77,P=0.0003);and the length of hospital stay of the arthroplasty group was shorter[MD:0.97,95%CI:1.29 to 0.66),P<0.00001].There was no difference between the two groups in the type of anesthesia(RR:0.99).There were only two studies recording the weight-bearing time,and the time of full weight bearing in the arthroplasty group was significantly earlier.CONCLUSION Compared with PFN,arthroplasty can achieve weight bearing earlier and shorten hospital stay,but it cannot achieve a better clinical outcome.Arthroplasty cannot replace PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly individuals.

Effects of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan on osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures and fracture recurrence

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a global disease affecting 6.6%of the total population.Osteoporosis complications include fractures,increased bone fragility,and reduced bone strength.The most commonly affected parts are the vertebral body,hip,and wrist.AIM To examine the effect of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan for osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures on bone and fracture recurrence METHODS In total,126 cases of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures were selected and divided into two groups according to the 1:1 principle by the simple random method.They were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College,from January 2018 to September 2020.The control group was treated with InterTan fixation combined with placebo,and the observation group with alendronate sodium based on InterTan fixation.Operation-related indicators,complications,and recurrent fractures were compared between the groups.Changes in bone metabolism markers,t value for hip bone mineral density,and Harris Hip Score were observed.RESULTS Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative ambulation time,and complications were compared between the groups,and no significant difference was found.The fracture healing time was significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group.β-Collagen-specific sequence(β-CTX)and total aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen(T-PINP)in the control group at 3 mo after operation were compared with those before operation,and the difference was not significant.Six months after the operation,theβ-CTX level decreased and T-PINP level increased.β-CTX level at 3 and 6 mo in the observation group after operation was lower,and TPINP level was higher,than that before operation.Compared with the control group,T-PINP level of the observation group was significantly higher andβ-CTX level was significantly lower at 3 and 6 mo after operation.The t value of hip bone mineral density was compared in the control group before and 1 mo after operation,and significant difference was not found.Compared with the control group,the t value of hip bone mineral density in the observation group was significantly higher at 1,3,6,and 12 mo after operation.Compared with the control group,the Harris score of the observation group was significantly higher at 1,3,6,and 12 mo after operation.The recurrence rate of fractures in the observation group within 12 mo was 0.00%,which was significantly lower than 6.35%in the control group.CONCLUSION Alendronate sodium combined with InterTan in the treatment of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures can increase bone mineral density,improve hip joint function,promote fracture healing,and reduce fracture recurrence.

Primary Bipolar Arthroplasty in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly

Unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly is a challenging surgical condition with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of bipolar arthroplasty as an alternative to the standard treatment of internal fixation. Materials and methods: 41 patients (22 females and 19 males) who had bipolar arthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fractures were prospectively evaluated. Modified lateral approach was used in all patients. Clinical evaluation was done using Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiological follow up was done using plain X-rays. All the patients were 65 years of age or above. Follow up period ranged from (12 - 24) months. Results: During the last follow up, the Harris Hip Score ranged from 93 to 51 with a mean value 78.19. Four cases (9.76%) were excellent (91 - 100), 16 cases (39.02%) good (81 - 90), 16 cases (39.02%) fair (71 - 80) and 5 cases (12.02%) poor (= or < 70). Six cases had complications;infection (1), dislocation (1), stem loosening and subsidence (2), bleeding peptic ulcer (1) and intra-operative crack of the femur while preparing the femoral canal for implant insertion (1). Five patients died within the first year (12.19%). Four patients had revision surgery. Conclusion: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty for the unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly has a reasonable clinical outcome at 2 years. It is to be considered as one of the treatment options for such injury speciality in case of fragility fractures.

Candidal periprosthetic joint infection after primary total knee arthroplasty combined with ipsilateral intertrochanteric fracture: A case report

BACKGROUND Candidal periprosthetic joint infection is a rare and difficult to diagnose complication of total knee arthroplasty.The treatment of such complications is inconclusive and may include prosthesis removal,debridement,arthrodesis,and extensive antifungal therapy to control the infection.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male with a history of total knee arthroplasty(TKA)in his left knee presented with ipsilateral knee pain and a sinus discharge 20 mo after TKA.The patient was previously evaluated for left knee pain,swelling,and a transient fever one month postoperatively.Prothesis removal and insertion of a cement spacer were performed in a local hospital six months prior to the current presentation.Medical therapy included rifampicin and amphotericin which were administered for 4 wk following prosthesis removal.A second debridement was performed in our hospital and Candida parapsilosis was detected in the knee joint.Fourteen weeks following the latter debridement,the patient suffered a left intertrochanteric fracture and received closed reduction and internal fixation with proximal femoral nail anterotation.Two weeks after fracture surgery,a knee arthrodesis with autograft was performed using a double-plate fixation.The patient recovered adequately and was subsequently discharged.At the two-year follow-up,the patient has a stable gait with a pain-free,fused knee.CONCLUSION Fungal periprosthetic joint infection following TKA may be successfully and safely treated with prosthesis removal,exhaustive debridement,and arthrodesis after effective antifungal therapy.Ipsilateral intertrochanteric fractures of the affected knee can be safely fixated with internal fixation if the existing infection is clinically excluded and aided by the investigation of serum inflammatory markers.

Therapeutic Effect of Artificial Femoral Head Replacement and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation on Elderly Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of artificial femoral head replacement and Proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 60 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA and artificial femoral head replacement from 2015.06 to 2018.06, of which 34 were in the PFNA group (Group A) and 26 in the artificial femoral head replacement group (Group B). Statistical analysis of relevant surgical indicators such as surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative time to landing, postoperative infection rate, hospital stay, number of secondary operations, postoperative VAS score, and postoperative Hip function score comparison. Results: All 60 patients were followed up for 1 - 24 months. Compared with the artificial femoral head replacement group, the operation time of PFNA group was shorter, the blood loss during operation was less, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The hip joint function and pain scores of the artificial femoral head replacement group in the early and follow-up periods are better than those of the PFNA group. The artificial femoral head replacement is more suitable for the treatment of elderly unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Effect of proximal femur nail anti-rotation on unstable intertrochanteric fractures: A prospective observational study

Objective:To assess the effect of proximal femur nail anti-rotation on the functional and radiological outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital.Altogether 86 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femur nail anti-rotation between January 2010 and January 2015 were included.Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic at regular intervals after discharge to assess the radiological union of fractures and complications.The functional outcomes were evaluated after 2 years by Harris hip score.Results:All patients achieved a radiological union of fractures after a mean duration of 24.6 weeks.The follow up showed 23 complications(systemic and local).Eight patients developed urinary tract infections,and three patients developed chest infections,two patients had screw cut-out,one patient had knee stiffness,one patient developed superficial surgical site infection,and four patients developed varus collapse and shortening subsequently.The two year follow up showed that 69(80.2%)patients had an excellent and good functional outcome according to Harris hip score.Conclusions:With lower complication rates,proximal femur nail is a valid and reasonable option especially in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

An Abduction－Traction Frame for the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

We present a detailed outline of treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of femur with a new technique on the basis of principles of combined traditional chinese and western medicine. We use pins and an outer fixation frame, which keeps the injured limb in abduction and under traction and at the same time allows for functional exercise of all the joints in the extremity. The procedure is discussed and compared with other different techniques.

Comparative study of intertrochanteric fracture fixation using proximal femoral nail with and without distal interlocking screws

BACKGROUND Intertrochanteric(IT)fracture is one of the most common fractures seen in an orthopaedic practice.Proximal femoral nailing(PFN)is a common modality of fixing IT femur fracture.We retrospectively studied whether a PFN with two proximal lag screws can be done without distal interlocking screws in the 31-A1 and 31-A2 fracture patterns according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association(AO/OTA)guidelines for IT femur fractures.AIM To compare the outcomes of IT fractures(AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2)treated by PFN with and without distal interlocking screws.METHODS We carried out a retrospective study of 140 patients in a tertiary care centre who had AO/OTA type 31-A1 and 31-A2 IT fractures.We divided the patients into two groups,in which one of the groups received distal interlocking screws(group 1)and the other group did not(group 2).The subjects were followed up for a mean period of 14 mo and assessed for radiological union time,fracture site collapse,mechanical stability of implant,and complications associated with the PFN with distal interlocking and without distal interlocking.Then,the results were compared.RESULTS PFN without distal interlocking screws has several advantages and gives better results over PFN with distal interlocking screws in the AO/OTA 31-A2 fracture pattern.However,similar results were observed in both groups with the fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A1.In patients with fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A2 treated by PFN without distal interlocking screws,there were minimal proximal lockrelated complications and no risk of distal interlock-related complications.The operative time,IITV radiation time and time to radiological union were reduced.These patients also had better rotational alignment of the proximal femur,and the anatomy of the proximal femur was well maintained.It was also noted that in the cases where distal interlocking was performed,there was a gradual decrease in neck shaft angle,which led to varus collapse and failure of bone-implant construct in 21.40%.CONCLUSION In fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A2,PFN without distal interlocking had better results and less complications than PFN with distal interlocking.