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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Application of proximal femur locking compression plate for unstable four part intertrochanteric fractures

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of proximal femur locking compression plate (LCP) for unstable four-part intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods Clinical data of53patients wiith unstable four-part intertrochanteric

The finite element analysis of cemented long and short stem prosthetic replacement in aged patients with comminuted intertrochanteric fracture

Objective To investigate the stress distribution of the femur after cemented prosthetic replacement in aged patients with comminuted intertrochanteric fracture and to analyze the difference of stress distribution between cemented long

Hidden blood loss after intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients and its influence on the postoperative function recovery:a random controlled trial

Objective To investigate hidden blood loss after various types of intertrochanteric fractures and to determine whether oral iron supplementations is benefical for the postoperative functional recovery in elderly patients.Methods From

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.

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.

Trochanteric Buttress Plate Combined with Proximal Femoral Nail for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures. [Innovative Technique]

Introduction: Proximal femoral nail is a better choice of implant for the treatment of an unstable trochanteric fracture, however it is associated with screw migration and cutout because of greater trochanteric comminution and coronal split. This study is to evaluate the results of Trochanteric Buttress Plate (TBP) combined with PFN in an unstable IT fractures for buttressing lateral wall and reinforcing fixation. Materials and Methods: We carried out a consecutive study of 32 patients of Unstable intertrochanteric fracture femur with lateral wall comminution. It was studied at Ashwini Sahakari Rugnalaya and Sanshodhan Kendra Solapur India and Government medical college Chandrapur India from April-2015 to December-2017 using innovative Trochanteric buttress plate along with PFN. Eighteen male and fourteen female in the age group of 55 to 80 years were included in the study. There were 26 cases of A3 and six cases of A2 were fixed by PFN combined with trochanteric buttress plate to augment the comminuted lateral wall. Results: The bone healing is observed in all the cases in the mean period of 12.6 weeks. Four patients developed complications, including lateral migration of neck screws (n = 2), superficial infection (n = 2). Patients were followed up for a mean of 10.6 months. At the end of follow-up the Salvati and Wilson hip function was 36 (out of 40) in 87.5% of patients [twenty eight patients]. The clinical, radiological and functional outcomes were found to be satisfactory. Conclusion: The stabilization of lateral trochanteric wall with trochanteric buttress plate restores anatomy, increases the stability of construct and prevents inherent complication of screw migration and cutout.

Intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in treating type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

BACKGROUND In most elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures,satisfactory fracture reduction can be achieved by closed reduction using a traction table.However,intertrochanteric fractures cannot achieve satisfactory reduction in a few patients,which is called irreducible intertrochanteric fractures.Especially for type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures,limited open reduction of the broken end with different intraoperative reduction methods is required to achieve satisfactory reduction and fixation.AIM To discuss clinical efficacy of intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 23 elderly patients with type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures(12 males and 11 females,aged 65-89-yearsold)who received treatment at the orthopedics department.After type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures were confirmed by intraoperative C-arm,all of these cases received intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in the broken end with intramedullary screw internal fixation.The basic information of surgery,reduction effects,and functional recovery scores of the hip joint were assessed.RESULTS All patients were followed up for 13.8 mo on average.The operation time was 53.8±13.6 min(40-95 min).The intraoperative blood loss was 218.5±28.6 mL(170-320 mL).The average number of intraoperative X-rays was 22.8±4.6(18-33).The average time to fracture union was 4.8±0.7 mo.The reduction effect was assessed using Kim’s fracture reduction evaluation.Twenty cases achieved grade I fracture reduction and three cases grade II fracture reduction.All of them achieved excellent or good fracture reduction.Upon the last follow-up,the functional recovery scores score was 83.6±9.8,which was not significantly different from the functional recovery scores score(84.8±10.7)before the fracture(t=0.397,P=0.694).CONCLUSION With careful preoperative preparation,intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction contributed to high-quality fracture reduction and fixation.Good clinical outcomes were achieved without increasing operation time and intraoperative blood loss.

A comparative analysis of distal locked and unlocked long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) in the fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures

Purpose:Long proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-II) is a preferred implant in recent years for fixation of pertrochanteric fractures,especially in osteoporotic patients.The purpose of this study is to prospectively investigate the effect of distal locking in long PFNA-II fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures.Methods:A total of 58 patients with isolated stable intertrochanteric fractures and treated in our hospital during the study period of 2017–2019 by distal locked or unlocked long PFNA-II fixation were included in this study.Patients who had multiple injuries or open fractures were excluded.There were 40 female and 18 male patients,with 33 affecting the left side and 25 the right side.Of them,31 belonged to the distal locked group (group A) and 27 to the unlocked group (group B).Surgical procedures and implants used in both groups were similar except for the distal locking of the nails.General data (age,gender,fracture side,etc.) showed no significant difference between two groups (allp > 0.05).The intraoperative parameters like operative time,radiation exposure and follow-up parameters like functional and radiological outcomes were recorded and compared.Statistical tests like the independent samplest-test Fischer’’s exact and Chi-square test were used to analyze association.Results:The distribution of the fractures according to AO/OTA classification and 31A1.2 type of intertrochanteric fractures were most common in our study.All the included fractures united and the average functional outcome in both groups were good and comparable at the end of one year.The operative time (mL,107.1 ± 12.6vs.77.0 ± 12.0,p < 0.001) and radiation exposure (s,78.6 ± 11.0vs.40.3 ± 9.3,p < 0.001) were significantly less among the patients in group B.Fracture consolidation,three months after the operative procedures,was seen in a significantly greater proportion of patients in group B (92.6%vs.67.7%,p = 0.025).Hardware irritation because of distal locking bolt was exclusively seen in group A,however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.241).Conclusion:We conclude that,in fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures by long PFNA-II nail,distal locking not only increases the operative time and radiation exposure but also delays the fracture consolidation and increases the chances of hardware irritation,and hence is not required.

Study on mechanism involved in posto perative reha-bilitation of comminuted fracture of patella

Objective To investigate mechanism involved i n knee joint rehabilition by compreh ensive rehabilitation therapy foll owing com-minuted fracture of patella surgery.Method25patients suffered from comminute d fracture of patella received rehabilitation training,drugs administration and physical therapy.Results Knee joint function was evaluated,e xcellent 22cases,good 2cases,favo rable 1case,good rate was 96%.Conclusion Rehabilitation of knee joint is satisfying in patients underwent compre hensive rehabilitation treatment.So,comprehensive rehabilitation treatment is valuable in clinic.

Outcome of buttress plate-nail construct used for reconstruction of broken lateral wall in intertrochanteric fractures

Purpose:Intramedullary implants are well accepted fixation of all types of intertrochanteric(IT)frac-tures,both stable and unstable types.Intramedullary nails have an ability to effectively support the posteromedial part,but fail to buttress the broken lateral wall requiring lateral augmentation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of proximal femoral nail augmented with trochanteric buttress plate for broken lateral wall with IT fractures,which was fixed to the femur through hip screw and anti-rotation screw nail.Methods:Of 30 patients,20 had Jensen-Evan typeⅢand 10 had type V fractures.Patients with IT fracture of broken lateral wall and aged more than 18 years,in whom satisfactory reduction was achieved by closed methods,were included in the study.Patients with pathologic or open fractures,polytrauma,prior hip surgery,non-ambulatory prior to surgery,and those who refused to participate were excluded.The operative time,blood loss,radiation exposure,quality of reduction,functional outcome,and union time were evaluated.All data were coded and recorded in Microsoft Excel spread sheet program.SPSS 20.0 was used for data analysis and normality of the continuous data was checked using Kolmogorv Smirnov test.Results:The mean age of patients in the study was 60.3 years.The mean duration of surgery(min),mean intra-operative blood loss(mL)and mean number of exposures were 91.86±12.8(range 70-122),144.8±3.6(range 116-208),and 56.6(range 38-112),respectively.The mean union time was 11.6 weeks and the mean Harris hip score was 94.1.Conclusion:Lateral trochanteric wall in IT fractures is significantly important,and needs to be recon-structed adequately.Nail-plate construct of trochanteric buttress plate fixed with hip screw and anti-rotation screw of proximal femoral nail can be successfully used to augment,fix or buttress the lateral trochanteric wall giving excellent to good results of early union and reduction.

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.

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.

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.