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.

Evaluation of the bone metabolism balance and traumatic reaction of minimally invasive mippo intramedullary nail internal fixation treatment of femoral shaft fractures

Objective:To evaluate the bone metabolism balance and traumatic reaction of minimally invasive mippo intramedullary nail internal fixation treatment of femoral shaft fractures. Methods:80 patients with femoral shaft fractures who were treated in our hospital between May 2011 and December 2016 were collected and divided into control group (n=40) and observation group (n=40) according to random number table, control group received conventional steel plate internal fixation treatment, and observation group received minimally invasive mippo intramedullary nail internal fixation treatment. Differences in serum levels of bone formation indexes, bone resorption indexes, inflammatory factors, and pain mediators and so on were compared between two groups of patients before operation and 1 week after treatment.Results: Before operation, differences in serum levels of bone formation indexes, bone resorption indexes, inflammatory factors and pain mediators were not statistically significant between two groups of patients. After operation, serum bone formation indexes P ICP, BGP, BALP and ALP levels in observation group were higher than those in control group;serum bone resorption indexesβ-CTX and OPG levels were lower than those in control group;serum inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and CRP levels were lower than those in control group;serum pain mediators SP, PGE2 and 5-HT levels were lower than those in control group.Conclusion:Minimally invasive mippo intramedullary nail internal fixation treatment of femoral shaft fractures can promote the bone formation, relatively inhibit bone resorption and cause less traumatic reaction.

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.

Trauma and bone metabolism of magnetic navigation intramedullary nail and traditional intramedullary nail fixation treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Objective:To analyze the trauma and bone metabolism of magnetic navigation intramedullary nail and traditional intramedullary nail fixation treatment of femoral shaft fracture. Methods:58 patients with femoral shaft fracture treated in our hospital between December 2011 and December 2015 were divided into observation group and control group by random number table (n=29). Control group received conventional intramedullary nail fixation treatment, and observation group received magnetic navigation intramedullary nail fixation treatment. 24 h after surgery, blood coagulation indexes, enzymology indexes, bone metabolism indexes and angiogenesis indexes were determined;6 months after surgery, bone mineral density levels were determined. Results:24 h after surgery, peripheral blood thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum fibrinogen (FIB), D-Dimer (D-D), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), sex hormone-binding globulin type I (SHBG), collagen cross-linked carboxyl-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) content were lower than those of control group while bone gla protein (BGP), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-α), angiogenin 1 (Ang-1), recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) content were higher than those of control group;6 months after surgery, fracture end bone mineral density (BMD) value of observation group was higher than that of control group. Conclusions:Magnetic navigation intramedullary nail treatment of femoral shaft fracture can more effectively reduce the surgical trauma, improve bone metabolism and increase bone mineral density.

Technical note: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the presence of an intramedullary femoral nail using anteromedial drilling

AIM To describe an approach to anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction using autologous hamstring by drilling via the anteromedial portal in the presence of an intramedullary(IM) femoral nail.METHODS Once preoperative imagining has characterized the proposed location of the femoral tunnel preparations are made to remove all of the hardware(locking bolts and IM nail). A diagnostic arthroscopy is performed in the usual fashion addressing all intra-articular pathology. The ACL remnant and lateral wall soft tissues are removed from the intercondylar, to provide adequate visualization of the ACL footprint. Femoral tunnel placement is performed using a transportal ACL guide with desired offset and the knee flexed to 2.09 rad. The Beath pin is placed through the guide starting at the ACL's anatomic footprint using arthroscopic visualization and/or fluoroscopic guidance. If resistance is met while placing the Beath pin, the arthroscopy should be discontinued and the obstructing hardware should be removed under fluoroscopic guidance. When the Beath pin is successfully placed through the lateral femur, it is overdrilled with a 4.5 mm Endobutton drill. If the Endobutton drill is obstructed, the obstructing hardware should be removed under fluoroscopic guidance. In this case, the obstruction is more likely during Endobutton drilling due to its larger diameter and increased rigidity compared to the Beath pin. The femoral tunnel is then drilled using a best approximation of the graft's outer diameter. We recommend at least 7 mm diameter to minimize the risk of graft failure. Autologous hamstring grafts are generally between 6.8 and 8.6 mm in diameter. After reaming, the knee is flexed to 1.57 rad, the arthroscope placed through the anteromedial portal to confirm the femoral tunnel position, referencing the posterior wall and lateral cortex. For a quadrupled hamstring graft, the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are then harvested in the standard fashion. The tendons are whip stitched, quadrupled and shaped to match the diameter of the prepared femoral tunnel. If the diameter of the patient's autologous hamstring graft is insufficient to fill the prepared femoral tunnel, the autograft may be supplemented with an allograft. The remainder of the reconstruction is performed according to surgeon preference. RESULTS The presence of retained hardware presents a challenge for surgeons treating patients with knee instability. In cruciate ligament reconstruction, distal femoral and proximal tibial implants hardware may confound tunnel placement, making removal of hardware necessary, unless techniques are adopted to allow for anatomic placement of the graft. CONCLUSION This report demonstrates how the femoral tunnel can be created using the anteromedial portal instead of a transtibial approach for reconstruction of the ACL.

Risk Assessment of Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Proximal Humeral Fracture

In proximal humeral fracture except AO classification 11A1, fixations with a locking plate and nails are recommended. We performed mechanical tests to investigate whether retrograde intramedullary nailing has fixation stability comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nailing and locking plate which achieve clinically favorable outcomes. In retrograde intramedullary nailing, a nail entry point is made in the diaphysis, for which reduction of stiffness of the humerus is of concern. Thus, we investigated the influence of a nail entry point made in the diaphysis on humeral strength. Retrograde intramedullary nailing had fixation stability against bending and a force loaded in the rotation direction comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nail and locking plate. Displacement by the main external force loaded on the humerus, compressive load, was less than half in the bone fixed by retrograde intramedullary nailing compared with that in the bone fixed with a locking plate, showing favorable fixation stability. It was clarified that stiffness of the humerus against rotation and a load in the compression direction is not reduced by a nail entry point made by retrograde intramedullary nailing.

Bone metabolism and trauma degree of magnetic-guided intramedullary nail fixation for femoral shaft fracture

Objective:To explore the effect of magnetic-guided intramedullary nail fixation on bone metabolism and trauma degree in patients with femoral shaft fracture.Methods: A total of 128 patients with femoral shaft fractures who received surgical treatment in the hospital between April 2016 and November 2017 were divided into control group (n=64) and study group (n=64) according to the random number table method. Control group received the traditional intramedullary nail treatment, and study group received magnetic-guided intramedullary nail treatment. The differences in serum levels of bone metabolism indexes and inflammatory factors were compared between the two groups 48 h after surgery.Results: 48 h after surgery, serum bone formation indexes BGP, PⅠNP, PⅠCP and BAP levels of study group were higher than those of control group whereas bone resorption indexesβ-CTX, TRACP5b and NTX levels were lower than those of control group;serum inflammatory factors TGF-β, hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 levels were lower than those of control group.Conclusion:Compared with traditional intramedullary nail therapy, magnetic-guided intramedullary nail fixation can more effectively balance the bone metabolism status and reduce the fracture end trauma in patients with femoral shaft fracture.

Titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below six years of age

AIM To report the clinical and radiographic results of titanium elastic nail(TEN) in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below age of six years.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 27 diaphyseal femoral fractures in children younger than six years treated with TEN between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 5 wk and the nails were removed from 6 to 12 wk after surgery. Twenty-four cases were clinically and radiographically re-evaluated using the Flynn's scoring criteria, focusing on: Limb length discrepancy, rotational deformity, angulation, hip and knee range of motion(ROM), functional status, complications, and parent's satisfaction.RESULTS Sixteen males and eight females with a mean age of 3.2 years at the time of treatment were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of 58.9 mo. No cases of delayed union were observed. The mean limb lengthening was 0.3 cm. Four cases experienced limb lengthening greater than 1 cm and always minor than 2 cm. Twelve point five percent of the cases showed an angulation < 10°. Complete functional recovery(hip and knee ROM, ability to run and jump on the operated limb) occurred in 95.7% of cases. Complications included two cases of superficial infection of the TEN entry point, one case of refracture following a new trauma, and one TEN mobilization. According to the Flynn's scoring criteria, excellent results were obtained in 79.2% of patients and satisfactory results in the remaining 20.8%, with an average parent's satisfaction level of 9.1/10.CONCLUSION TEN is as a safe, mini-invasive and surgeon-friendly technique and, considering specific inclusion criteria, it represents a useful and efficacy option for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures even in patients younger than six years of age.

Proximal Femoral Nailing: Technical Difficulties and Results in Trochanteric Fractures

Background: Proximal femoral nailing in communited intertrochanteric fractures is increasingly becoming popular in view of superior biomechanics and prevention of varus collapse associated with Dynamic hip screw. However, technical difficulties and implant related complications have been described with this technique, thus we need more studies to address these issues. Our study aims to understand technical difficulties involved in proximal femoral nailing, and specifically analyses neck shaft angle at follow-up indicating varus collapse and also to compare results of stable and unstable fractures. Materials and Methods: In this study, patients who presented to the Orthopedic Unit of Dr. TMA Pai Hospital (An associated hospital of Manipal University, Manipal) with trochanteric fractures included and treated with proximal femoral nailing. The technical difficulties involved with surgical procedure and techniques adapted to overcome such difficulties were recorded. All patients were followed up for a period of 2 years and final outcome assessment included the number of shortening, neck shaft angle and harris hip score. Results: 41 patients (mean age 71) who underwent proximal femoral nailing from January 2004 to December 2009 were included in the study, 38 patients completed 2-year follow-up. The technical difficulties we faced were divided into 3 categories, difficulties in securing entry point and guide wire placement especially when greater trochanter and piriform fossa were gathered, reduction was lost while passing nail, and finally difficulties faced during placement of hip screws. In all except one, neck shaft angle of more than 130 degrees was achieved, and this was also maintained in the final follow-up (Mean 131.9 degrees). All fractures were united, with mean shortening of 2 mm. Conclusions: Although PFN is technically required, with a proper technique PFN gives excellent clinical results with almost negligible varus collapse even in unstable trochanteric fractures. Regarding the techniques, reaming the proximal part of femur adequately and observing the nail passage with image carefully are important in placing the nail correctly, while, placement of lag screw in the inferior part of neck in anterior posterior projection and central in lateral projection reduces risk of implant failure.

Reduction Aid in Proximal Femoral Fractures: The Thigh Support

Reducing the Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in a closed manner is challenging especially in the old and aged people with co morbidities. We provide a simple reducing aid to achieve the fracture reduction. This will protect your surgical resident’s or operating theatre practitioner’s back in maintaining the reduction throughout the procedure and continuing with the procedure of cephalomedullary nailing. It will also facilitate in the better rehabilitation of the patient with minimal morbidity and offer a good radiographic view.

Does proximal femoral nail antirotation achieve better outcome than previous-generation proximal femoral nail?

BACKGROUND There are few studies in the literature comparing the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of proximal femoral nail(PFN)and proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA)for pertrochanteric femoral fracture(PFF)in elderly patients.AIM To evaluate both clinical and radiographic outcomes after fixation with PFN and PFNA in an elderly patient population.METHODS One hundred fifty-eight patients older than 65 years with PFF who underwent fixation with either PFN or PFNA were included.Seventy-three patients underwent fixation with PFN,whereas 85 were fixed with PFNA.The mean follow-up was 2.4 years(range,1-7 years).Clinical outcome was measured in terms of operation time,postoperative function at each follow-up visit,and mortality within one year.Radiographic evaluation included reduction quality after surgery,Cleveland Index,tip-apex distance(TAD),union rate,time to union,and sliding distance of the screw or blade.Complications including nonunion,screw cutout,infection,osteonecrosis of the femoral head,and implant breakage were also investigated.RESULTS Postoperative function was more satisfactory in patients who underwent PFNA than in those who underwent PFN(P=0.033).Radiologically,the sliding difference was greater in PFN than in PFNA patients(6.1 and 3.2 mm,respectively,P=0.036).The rate of screw cutout was higher in the PFN group;eight for PFN(11.0%)and two for PFNA patients(2.4%,P=0.027).There were no differences between the two groups in terms of operation time,mortality rate at one year after the operation,adequacy of reduction,Cleveland Index,TAD,union rate,time to union,nonunion,infection,osteonecrosis,or implant breakage.CONCLUSION Elderly patients with PFF who underwent PFNA using a helical blade demonstrated better clinical and radiographic outcomes as measured by clinical score and sliding distance compared with patients who underwent PFN.

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.

Proximal Femoral Nail in Reverse Trochanteric Femoral Fractures: An Analysis of 53 Cases at One Year Follow-Up

Treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric femoral fractures poses a lot of challenges. There have been proponents of intramedullary devices as well as extramedullary devices. We present the results of proximal femoral nailing surgery performed for reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures using two proximal lag screws and a nail of 250 mm. There is prospective study of fifty three patients with AO/OTA 31 A-A3 fractures being treated by proximal femoral nailing in our institute after seeking approval from the Hospital ethics board. The quality of the reduction, the operative time, complications and the functional status of the patients were the parameters on which the results were evaluated. The mean Harris hip score was 76.66 (range 70 - 93) and the mean Barthel activity score was 16.21 (range 12 - 20). The average surgical time was 50 minutes and the mean consolidation time was 11.5 weeks. Intramedullary nailing with proximal femoral nails seems to be a good option in the treatment of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures as against the various existing options available for the management.

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.

Comparison of Clinical Effect of PFNA and Internal Fixation with Anatomical Locking Plate of Proximal Femur in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

Purpose:To investigate the clinical value of proximal femoral nail antirotation and anatomical locking plate of proximal femur in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur.Methods:The study group is treated with PFNA internal fixation.The control group is treated by internal fixation with anatomical locking plate of proximal femur.Results:The time of operation,the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the time of fracture healing in the study group are significantly less than those in the control group.The incidence rate of complication in the study group(3.23%)is significantly lower than that in the control group(17.2%).Data comparison shows P<0.05.Conclusion:The curative effect and prognosis for patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur treated by PFNA internal fixation are more ideal.

Clinical and functional comparison of dynamic hip screws and intramedullary nails for treating proximal femur metastases in older individuals

Objective:To compare the outcomes of dynamic hip screws(DHS)and intramedullary nailing(IMN)in the treatment of extra-capsular metastatic carcinoma of the proximal femur.Methods:A retrospective case analysis method was used to examine data of patients with proximal metastatic cancer of the femur who were treated with internal fixation in Department of Orthopaedics,Beijing Friendship Hospital,from January 2007 to December 2018.Blood loss,postoperative pain,functional score,length of stay,and survival rates were compared,and postoperative complications were assessed.Results:Complete follow-up data were available for 33 patients.The mean follow-up period was 12.2±3.6(range:9-32)months and the average age was 72.3±4.7(range:59-83)years old.There were 20 females and 13 males.Twenty-three patients had undergone IMN and 10 DHS,according to bone defects and the patient’s overall condition.The median survival time was 10 months in the IMN group and 11 months in the DHS group.Duration of surgery(t=-7.366,P<0.001)and length of hospital stay(t=-3.509,P<0.001)differed significantly between the two groups.There was one case of breakage of internal fixation in the IMN group.Conclusions:There was no significant difference between DHS and IMN in terms of surgical efficacy.IMN and DHS were different in terms of surgical time and hospital stay.However,due to the limited number of cases in this study,multi-factor analysis has not been performed and needs to be further verified in future analysis.When developing a surgical plan,it is recommended to consider the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s experience.

Comparison of Clinical Effect of PFNA and Internal Fixation with Anatomical Locking Plate of Proximal Femur in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

Purpose To investigate the clinical value of proximal femoral nail antirotation and anatomical locking plate of proximal femur in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur.Methods The study group is treated with PFNA internal fixation.The control group is treated by internal fixation with anatomical locking plate of proximal femur.Results The time of operation,the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the time of fracture healing in the study group are significantly less than those in the control group.The incidence rate of complication in the study group(3.23%)is significantly lower than that in the control group(17.2%).Data comparison shows P<0.05.Conclusion The curative effect and prognosis for patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur treated by PFNA internal fixation are more ideal.

Finite Element Analysis of Coronal Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck: Displacement of the Femoral Head and Effect of Osteosynthetic Implants

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck (CSFF) are the most challenging to treat among proximal femur fractures, directly affecting the life expectancy of patients with osteoporosis. However, an adequate osteosynthesis method has not been elucidated yet. This study investigated the displacement direction of the femoral head fragment and its effect on the bone using finite element method. A finite element model for CSFF was developed from CT image data of a patient with osteoporosis using Mechanical Finder (ver. 11). Subsequently, finite element analyses were performed on six osteosynthesis models under maximum load applied during walking. The compressive stresses, tensile stresses, and compressive strains of each model were examined. The results suggested that the compressive and tensile stress distributions were concentrated on the anterior side of the femoral neck. Compressive strain distribution in the femoral head and neck was concentrated in four areas: at the tip of the blade or lag screw, the anteroinferior side of the blade or lag screw near the fracture site, and the upper right and lower left near the junction of the blade or lag screw and nail. Thus, the distribution of both these stresses revealed that the femoral head fragment was prone to anterior and inferior displacement. Distribution of compressive strains revealed the direction of the stress exerted by the osteosynthetic implant on the bone. The same results were observed in all osteosynthetic implants;thus, the findings could lay the foundation for developing methods for placing osteosynthetic implants less prone to displacement and the osteosynthetic implants themselves. In particular, the study provides insight into the optimal treatment of CSFF.

Proximal Femoral Nailing: Getting the Trajectory Right

Getting the trajectory of the proximal femoral nail in the right direction is essential to achieve a good result in the technically demanding surgery of proximal femoral fracture. Either an inappropriate starting point or a failure to match the chosen implant’s lateral entry angle may cause coronal plane deformity after trochanteric entry nailing. The lateral view is the critical view for localization of the proper starting point. For the right execution of the surgery, getting the trajectoy right is fully under the control of the surgeon and should always be attempted.

Total hip arthroplasty following the failure of intertrochanteric nailing:First implant or salvage surgery?

BACKGROUND Proximal femur fractures,including both intracapsular(femoral neck fractures)and extracapsular fractures(intertrochanteric femoral fractures,IFFs),affect around 1.5 million people per year worldwide.Mechanical failures of intertrochanteric nailing in IFFs could be managed with revision total hip arthroplasty(THA).AIM To describe the surgical complexity and the procedure-related complication rates in patients with trochanteric nailing failure and treated with THA.METHODS Patients referred to our level I trauma center between April 2012 and July 2018 with failed cephalomedullary nailing following trochanteric fractures were retrospectively recruited.All patients underwent a salvage surgical procedure,i.e.,cephalomedullary nail removal and conversion to THA.The same surgical and anesthesiology team performed the surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia.All patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-ups for at least 24 mo.Complications and re-operations were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-four patients met the inclusion criteria(male:29;female:45;mean age:73.8-years-old;range:65-89)and were included in the current study.The average operative time was 117 min(76-192 min).The average blood loss was 585 mL(430-1720 mL).Among the 74 patients,43(58.1%)required transfusion of three or more blood units.Two patients died within the 4th d after surgery because of pulmonary embolism,and 1 patient died 9 mo after surgery due to ischemic myocardial infarction.The complication rate in the 71 patients who completed the minimum 24-mo follow-up was 22.5%.In 3 cases out of 71(4.2%)periprosthetic acetabular fracture was observed during the followup.One of these periacetabular fractures occurred intraoperatively.An intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture was observed in 5 patients out of 71(7.0%).Four of these patients needed a re-operation to fix the fracture with plates and cerclages;in one of these patients,femoral stem revision was also necessary.In 4 patients out of 71(5.6%),an early THA dislocation was observed,whereas in 1 case(1.4%)a late THA dislocation was observed.Three patients out of 71(4.2%)developed a periprosthetic joint infection during the study follow-up.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that salvage options for IFF fixation failure are complex procedures with a relevant intraoperative and postoperative complication rate.