Analysis of Six Hundred and Twenty-two Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Tip-neck distance ratio as a novel predictor for failure in cephalomedullary nailing of unstable trochanteric fractures (UTF)

OBJECTIVES

Intertrochanteric femur fractures (ITFF) are frequently fixed with proximal femoral nailing (PFN), and a common cause of fixation failure is cut-out of the lag screws. In the literature, many factors have been defined to determine the failure risk, including the tip-apex distance (TAD), calcar-referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD), the Cleveland zone and Parker's ratio. In this study, a novel technique is described which favors infero-posterior placement of the lag screw and predicts failure risk for PFN. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tip-neck distance ratio as a factor for the prediction of cut-out after PFN of ITFF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective evaluation was made of the data of 125 patients applied with PFN for ITFF between October 2016 and September 2019. The occurrence of mechanical complications was analyzed in relation to age, gender, fracture side, American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification, fracture classification, reduction quality, bone quality, Cleveland zone, Parker's ratio, TAD, CalTAD and the TNDR.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients, including 16 with mechanical complications, were suitable for full analysis. In the univariate analysis, reduction quality (p = 0.003), the TAD (p = 0.048) and the TNDR (p = 0.030) were statistically associated with mechanical complications (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, good quality of reduction reduced risk of mechanical failure (p = 0.011) and the TNDR (p < 0.001) indicated that these were two independent factors affecting mechanical complications.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide clinical evidence that the TNDR is a predictor for cut-out risk. Placement of the lag screw posterior and inferior reduces the risk of mechanical complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Unstable Proximal Femur Fractures Fixed With Anatomical Proximal Locking Compression Plate

Introduction

Peritrochanteric fractures are the most frequent fractures of the proximal femur that accounts for nearly half of all proximal femur fractures. They are a major cause of disability in the elderly. The aim is to study the functional and radiological outcome of unstable proximal femur fractures fixed with proximal femur locking compression plate (PF-LCP) and its complications. Unstable proximal femur fracture patients operated with proximal femur locking compression plate were followed up functionally by Harris Hip Score and radiologically by neck-shaft angle measure.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 30 patients with unstable peritrochanteric fractures treated with PF-LCP in the first-level trauma center was conducted between 2015 and 2019. Stable peritrochanteric, pediatric and open fractures, and polytrauma were excluded. As a mid-term follow-up, functional and radiological outcomes were assessed at six weeks, three months, six months, and 12 months. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test, and results were compared with available western literature. 

Results

Thirty patients with unstable peritrochanteric fractures operated between 2015 and 2019, complying with our inclusion criteria, were analyzed. All patients were operated by the same surgeon and were available for a mid-term follow-up (12 months). Mean radiological union time was 12.5+/-2 weeks, with 24 patients achieving union between 10-15 weeks, three patients had union little more than 15 weeks. Two patients had non-union and required re-surgery. Functional results were assessed in the 30 patients available for follow-up using Harris Hip Score. Excellent results were seen in 17, good in seven, fair in three, and poor in three patients.

Conclusions

The choice of implant used to manage unstable peritrochanteric fractures has always been a debatable subject in our orthopedic fraternity. In our study, we used the anatomic, fixed-angle plates in peritrochanteric fractures and obtained significant functional and radiological outcomes over a midterm follow-up. We recommend PF-LCP as a good, stable alternative in the treatment of peritrochanteric femoral fractures. We consider that fracture pattern and extent in the proximal femur have a definite influence in determining the implant of choice. It provides good-to-excellent bone healing with reduced complications and better biomechanical stability.