Dynamic compression locking system versus multiple cannulated compression screw for the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a comparative study

Comparative study of rhBMP-2 assisted femoral neck system and cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures: clinical efficacy and psychological status

This study investigated the clinical efficacy and psychological effects of the femoral neck system (FNS) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and cannulate compression screw (CCS) in treating unstable femoral neck fractures in young adults. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 61 patients with femoral neck fractures who met our selection criteria and were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on their internal fixation. Group A received hollow compression screw fixation, whereas Group B underwent FNS combined with rhBMP-2 fixation. We recorded preoperative and last follow-up scores on the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), along with surgery duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, blood loss, postoperative recovery, and complication rates for both groups. Routine postoperative radiographs were used to evaluate fracture reduction and internal fixation, while Harris scores were used to assess hip joint function. Both groups were followed up for 7-38 months, averaging 25.25 ± 7.62 months. However, intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B, and Group A experienced significantly more fluoroscopy sessions (P < 0.05). In Group A, complications included six cases of nail retraction, three cases of femoral neck shortening, four cases of femoral head necrosis, and one case of bone nonunion. At the last follow-up, femoral neck shortening differed significantly from that in the healthy side (P < 0.05), as did femoral eccentricity (P < 0.05). In Group B, there were three cases of femoral neck shortening, including one nonunion, and four cases of femoral head necrosis. No significant differences in femoral neck shortening were observed compared to the healthy side (P > 0.05), and no significant change was seen in femoral eccentricity from the first to the last follow-up (P > 0.05). Preoperatively, no significant differences in femoral neck shortening and eccentricity were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated good recovery in hip joint function. However, there were significant differences preoperatively and in the last follow-up SDS and SAS scores (P < 0.05). The combination of FNS and rhBMP-2 for treating femoral neck fractures is minimally invasive and easy to perform and offers greater stability. This approach promotes fracture healing with minimal irritation to surrounding muscles and soft tissues, facilitating early weight-bearing and functional rehabilitation. Both surgical methods effectively enhance the psychological well-being of patients with femoral neck fractures who experience anxiety and depression, thereby improving their quality of life and achieving satisfactory short-term therapeutic outcomes.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between proximal femoral locking plate and cannulated compression screws for femoral neck fracture

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of proximal femoral locking plates in comparison to cannulated compression screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 50 patients with femoral neck fractures treated at the Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2018 to June 2023. Patients were divided into 25 in the PFLP group and 25 in the CCS group. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of the following variables: basic characteristics, perioperative information, and information during follow-up visits.

Results

The basic characteristics of the two groups were found to exhibit no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The PFLP group had significantly longer surgical times and greater Intraoperative hemorrhage loss compared to the CCS group (P < 0.05). The statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in intraoperative fluoroscopy times and Garden index between the two groups (P > 0.05). The PFLP group exhibited a markedly superior fracture healing time, femoral neck shortening, and Harris hip scores in comparison to the CCS group (P < 0.05). The postoperative complication rates were 12% in the PFLP group and 20% in the CCS group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective study suggest that the PFLP group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the CCS group in several key areas, including fracture healing time, preservation of femoral neck length, recovery of hip function, and incidence of postoperative complications.

Prospective study of femoral neck system fixation combined with enhanced recovery after surgery for the treatment of unstable intracapsular femoral neck fracture

Prospective study of femoral neck system (FNS) vs. cannulated compression screw (CCS) fixation has not been appropriately reported. We prospectively investigate the efficacy of FNS vs. CCS fixation combined with ERAS in the treatment of unstable intracapsular FNF. 70 consecutive patients with unstable intracapsular femoral neck fracture met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into FNS group and CCS group (each 35 cases). ERAS was applied in both groups. The perioperative period and follow-up results were compared. The operation time, fluoroscopy time, fracture reduction quality and follow-up time were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The blood loss in the FNS group was significantly more than that in CCS group whereas the time to start weight-bearing, fracture healing time, internal fixation failure in the FNS group were significantly less than those in the CCS group (P < 0.05). The neck shortening and revision surgery of the FNS group showed a trend of superiority to CCS group but the difference was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The AVN in the two groups was similar. At the last follow-up, the Harris hip score in the FNS group was higher than that in the CCS group (P < 0.05). Hence, FNS fixation with ERAS for FNF can provide earlier weight-bearing, fewer complications related to the implant, faster healing and better functional recovery than CCS fixation with ERAS, which is consistent with the better biomechanical properties of FNS.

Comparison of three different internal fixation methods in the treatment of femoral neck fracture

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of three different fixation methods in treating femoral neck fractures in young patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 35 young patients with femoral neck fractures who underwent surgical treatment. Among them, 16, 12, and 7 patients underwent fixation with three cannulated compression screws (3CS), the femoral neck system (FNS), and the compound compression system (CCS), respectively. Data, including fracture classification, injury-to-surgery time, surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy instances, fracture healing time, complications, and Harris score at the final follow-up, were collected and analyzed to compare clinical outcomes among the three fixation methods.

Results

All patients were followed for at least 6 months, exhibiting no significant differences in age, gender, injury side, fracture type, or injury-to-operation time among the three groups (P > 0.05). The FNS and CCS groups exhibited shorter operation durations and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy instances compared to the 3CS group (P < 0.01). Despite the minimally invasive nature of 3CS, the FNS and CCS groups experienced higher intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.01). During follow-up, only one patient with 3CS fixation developed nonunion. Additionally, patients treated with 3CS demonstrated a higher incidence of femoral head necrosis and severe femoral neck shortening than the FNS and CCS groups. Excluding patients with combined nonunion, no significant difference in mean fracture healing time was observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the FNS and CCS groups showed higher Harris scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both FNS and CCS are effective internal fixation systems for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young patients, yielding more satisfactory clinical functional outcomes than 3CS. Comparatively, the CCS system presents a higher risk of iatrogenic rotation of the proximal fracture segment. Therefore, we advocate the insertion of two to three 2.5 mm Kirschner wires from the upper edge of the femoral neck along the axial direction before CCS lag screw insertion to resist iatrogenic rotational stress.

Comparison of dynamic compression system versus multiple cancellous screws in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults

INTRODUCTION

Femoral neck fractures have posed a significant global healthcare challenge and had notable impacts on the quality of life. Current treatment strategies for femoral neck fractures in young individuals have varied, emphasizing the need for optimal fixation methods. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of the dynamic compression system (DCS) and multiple cancellous screws (MCS) methods.

METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 275 young adults with fresh femoral neck fractures treated with DCS and MCS. A matching analysis with a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, fracture classification, and reduction quality was conducted. Demographic data were recorded, and comparisons were made according to follow-up time (FUT), hospitalization period, operation duration, femoral neck shortening, caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 42 fractures were matched with a median age of 42 years (range, 22-48). In the DCS group, vertical neck shortening (median 1.92) was significantly lower than that in the MCS group (median 4.53) (P < 0.05). In the DCS group, horizontal femoral neck shortening, resultant femoral neck shortening, the amount of change in CCD angle, and HHS were 0.57 mm (0.43, 4.74 mm), 1.82 mm (0.40, 3.53 mm), 0.13° (-0.78°, 1.80°), and 91 (85-93), respectively. They were all non-significant than 1.00 mm (0.56, 6.23 mm), 2.74 mm (1.59, 6.71 mm), -0.18° (-1.11°,1.85°), and 91 (75, 93) in the MCS group, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FUT, hospitalization period, operation time, and post-operative complications at the latest follow-up (P > 0.05). There were no complications such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and incision infection reported.

CONCLUSION

DCS and MCS demonstrated effectiveness in treating femoral neck fractures in young adults. The DCS implant provides additional stability in the vertical axis. A prospective randomized controlled study with a large sample size was needed to validate these findings.

Evaluating three internal fixation techniques for Pauwels III femoral neck fractures via finite element analysis

The selection of implants for fixing unstable femoral neck fractures (FNF) remains contentious. This study employs finite element analysis to examine the biomechanics of treating Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures using cannulated compression screws (3CS), biplane double-supported screw fixation (BDSF), and the femoral neck system (FNS). A three-dimensional model of the proximal femur was developed using computed tomography scans. Fracture models of the femoral neck were created with 3CS, BDSF, and FNS fixations. Von Mises stress on the proximal femur, fracture ends, internal fixators, and model displacements were assessed and compared across the three fixation methods (3CS, BDSF, and FNS) during the heel strike of normal walking. The maximum Von Mises stress in the proximal fragment was significantly higher with 3CS fixation compared to BDSF and FNS fixations (120.45 MPa vs. 82.44 MPa and 84.54 MPa, respectively). Regarding Von Mises stress distribution at the fracture ends, the highest stress in the 3CS group was 57.32 MPa, while BDSF and FNS groups showed 51.39 MPa and 49.23 MPa, respectively. Concerning implant stress, the FNS model exhibited greater Von Mises stress compared to the 3CS and BDSF models (236.67 MPa vs. 134.86 MPa and 140.69 MPa, respectively). Moreover, BDSF displayed slightly lower total displacement than 3CS fixation (7.19 mm vs. 7.66 mm), but slightly higher displacement than FNS (7.19 mm vs. 7.03 mm). This study concludes that BDSF outperforms 3CS fixation in terms of biomechanical efficacy and demonstrates similar performance to the FNS approach. As a result, BDSF stands as a dependable alternative for treating Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures.

Comparison of percutaneous compression plate to parallel screws in the treatment of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients: a prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

The optimal internal fixation for non-displaced femoral neck fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical results of the percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) with parallel screws (PS) in treating femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 218 patients who underwent internal fixation were randomized to receive either a percutaneous compression plate (PCCP group) or parallel screws (PS group) using a computerized random sequence generator which was used to assign the order of randomization. Patients were assessed by the operating time, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, postoperative hospital stay, the time to full weight-bearing, reduction quality, fracture healing time, Harris hip score, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between PCCP and PS groups regarding operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, postoperative hospital stays, reduction quality, and Harris hip score (p > 0.05). The time to full weight-bearing and the fracture healing time in the PCCP group were shorter than those in the PS group (p < 0.05). The overall complication rates were slightly lower in the PCCP compared to the PS patients, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). However, the implant failure rate was significantly higher in the PS group compared to the PCCP group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the PCCP is superior to the parallel screws fixation in the treatment of non-displaced elderly femoral neck fractures in terms of earlier full weight-bearing, shorter fracture healing time, and lower implant failure rate. Therefore, it may be a better therapeutic strategy for non-displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

Effect analysis of medial bracing plate combined with cannulated screw in unstable femoral neck fracture assisted by surgical hip dislocation: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Unstable femoral neck fractures have a high likelihood of causing severe disruption to the blood supply. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of surgical hip dislocation using a medial support plate combined with cannulated screw fixation for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures in young and middle-aged adults.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 68 young adults who underwent internal fixation of unstable femoral neck fractures. The observation group included 32 patients who had received medial support plate and cannulated screw fixation by the surgical hip dislocation method and 36 patients who had undergone anti-rotation screw composite compression system fixation comprised the comparison group. The amount of intraoperative bleeding, surgery duration, fracture recovery time and complications were recorded. The degree of femoral neck shortening and Garden index were assessed using the Zlowodzki method. Additionally, hip functionality was evaluated using the Harris score at 3 and 6 months and at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

All 68 patients in both groups were followed up for 12-42 months (mean, 22.4 months). The postoperative incision was well-aligned and no inflation was observed. The intraoperative blood loss and surgery duration in the comparison group were longer than those in the observation. Additionally, the observation group had a significantly shorter fracture recovery time and a higher Garden index than the comparison at 6 months postoperatively; however, there was no significant statistical discrepancy between the two groups at the remaining time points. The observation group had higher Harris scores than the comparison at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Surgical hip dislocation applied to the medial support plate combined with cannulated screw fixation has clinical application value in restoring the stability of femoral neck fractures while facilitating the maintenance of blood flow to the femoral head and neck.

Barriers and facilitators of weight bearing after hip fracture surgery among older adults. A scoping review

PURPOSE

This scoping review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on barriers and facilitators of weight bearing after hip fracture surgery in older adults.

METHODS

Published (Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro) and unpublished (Global Health, EThOS, WorldCat dissertation and thesis, ClinicalTrials.gov , OpenAIRE, DART-Europe) evidence was electronically searched from database inception to 29 March 2022. Barriers and facilitators of weight bearing were extracted and synthesised into patient, process (non-surgical), process (surgical), and structure-related barriers/facilitators using a narrative review approach.

RESULTS

In total, 5594 were identified from the primary search strategy, 1314 duplicates were removed, 3769 were excluded on title and abstract screening, and 442 were excluded on full-text screening. In total, 69 studies (all from published literature sources) detailing 47 barriers and/or facilitators of weight bearing were included. Of barriers/facilitators identified, 27 were patient-, 8 non-surgical process-, 8 surgical process-, and 4 structure-related. Patient facilitators included anticoagulant, home discharge, and aid at discharge. Barriers included preoperative dementia and delirium, postoperative delirium, pressure sores, indoor falls, ventilator dependence, haematocrit < 36%, systemic sepsis, and acute renal failure. Non-surgical process facilitators included early surgery, early mobilisation, complete medical co-management, in-hospital rehabilitation, and patient-recorded nurses' notes. Barriers included increased operative time and standardised hip fracture care. Surgical process facilitators favoured intramedullary fixations and arthroplasty over extramedullary fixation. Structure facilitators favoured more recent years and different healthcare systems. Barriers included pre-holiday surgery and admissions in the first quarter of the year.

CONCLUSION

Most patient/surgery-related barriers/facilitators may inform future risk stratification. Future research should examine additional process/structure barriers and facilitators amenable to intervention. Furthermore, patient barriers/facilitators need to be investigated by replicating the studies identified and augmenting them with more specific details on weight bearing outcomes.

Comparison of femoral neck system versus cannulated screws for treatment of femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, some studies on the efficacy of the femoral neck system (FNS) in treating femoral neck fractures (FNFs) have been published. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to clarify the efficacy and safety of FNS versus cannulated screws (CS) for the treatment of FNFs.

METHOD

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies comparing FNS and CS fixations in FNFs. Intraoperative indicators, postoperative clinical indicators, postoperative complications, and postoperative scores were compared between the implants.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies were included in the study, involving 448 FNFs patients. The results showed that patients in FNS group were significantly lower than the CS group in the number of X-ray exposures (WMD = -10.16; 95% CI, -11.44 to -8.88; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), fracture healing time (WMD = -1.54; 95% CI, -2.38 to -0.70; P < 0.001; I² = 92%), length of femoral neck shortening (WMD = -2.01; 95% CI, -3.11 to -0.91; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), femoral head necrosis (OR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.83; P = 0.02; I² = 0%), implant failure/cutout (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.82; P = 0.02; I² = 0%), and Visual Analog Scale Score (WMD = -1.27; 95% CI, -2.51 to -0.04; P = 0.04; I² = 91%). And the Harris Score was significantly higher in the FNS group than in the CS group (WMD = 4.15; 95% CI, 1.00 to 7.30; P = 0.01; I² = 89%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this meta-analysis, FNS shows better clinical efficacy and safety in treating FNFs compared to CS. However, due to the limited quality and number of included studies and the high heterogeneity of the meta-analysis; large samples and multicenter RCTs are needed to confirm this conclusion in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, Systematic review and Meta-analysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021283646.

Femoral neck fractures in non-geriatric patients: femoral neck system versus cannulated cancellous screw

BACKGROUND

The fractures of femoral neck account for 50% among hip fractures with around 3%-10% occurring in younger population of below 65 years. The newly introduced FNS as management approach appears to be a potential alternative to the traditional CCS. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and outcome of the femoral neck system (FNS) and the cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in adult below 65 years of age.

METHODS

Data of 114 patients between 18-65 years, admitted in our department for femoral neck fracture from January 2019 to March 2021 were retrospectively studied and ranged into two groups based on the surgical methods: FNS group (56 patients) and CCS group (58 patients). The variables of interest including demographic and clinical variables (age, gender, fracture mechanism, injury side and classification), perioperative parameters(operation time, intraoperative bleeding, incision length and hospitalization time), postoperative outcomes and complications (fracture healing time, nonunion rate, femoral neck avascular necrosis, aseptic screw loosening and the Harris Hip Score), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All 114 patients presented satisfactory reduction and were followed-up for a period of 12 to 36 months (mean 27 ± 2.07 months); there were no significant differences between both groups in terms of age, gender, fracture classification, side of injury, mechanism of injury, the operative time, intraoperative blood loss and the hospital length of stay. However, the fracture healing time between FNS group and CCS group was statistically significant (p < 0.05), respectively 2.86 ± 0.77 and 5.10 ± 0.81 months. The significant differences were also found in terms of numbers of fluoroscopies 8.34 ± 1.38 Vs 17.72 ± 2.19, the HHS 87.80 ± 1.92 Vs 84.28 ± 2.24, postoperative complications 8 (14.28%) Vs 26 (44.82) respectively in FNS and CCS group.

CONCLUSION

FNS presented satisfactory outcomes had significantly lower complications rate, therefore, can be one of the alternatives for internal implantation devices in treatment of femoral neck fracture in non-geriatric population.

Comparison of Femoral Neck System Versus Cannulated Cancellous Screws for the Fixation of Femoral Neck Fracture in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A femoral neck fracture is a very common injury in the elderly. However, its incidence is low among young adults, usually presenting as an emergency. In young adults, implant choice is one of the important factors. This systematic review aims to analyze the femoral neck system (FNS) versus cannulated cancellous (CC) screw for the fixation of femoral neck fractures in young adults through well-defined objectives. A comprehensive search from the electronic database (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) was conducted from the beginning till February 18, 2022. The data regarding study type, authors, year of publication, country, union time, Harris hip score, intraoperative blood loss, operating time, neck shortening, and hospital stay were extracted from the selected articles and analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. For continuous data, e.g., healing time, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, Harris hip score, neck shortening, and hospital stay, the mean difference (MD), either weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was recorded. A p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used for the risk of bias assessment. Six retrospective cohort studies including 427 patients were selected for the meta-analysis. There was significantly less healing time (WMD= -1.10, 95% CI: -1.73 to -0.47), shorter operation duration (WMD=7.70, 95% CI: -0.06 to 15.46), and better Harris hip score (WMD=4.79, 95% CI: 2.12-7.46) in the FNS than CC screw fixation method. However, intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the CC screw system (WMD=21.27, 95% CI: 8.20-34.35). There was no significant difference between the two approaches in-hospital stay duration and femoral neck shortening. This can be concluded that FNS is better than CC screw fixation for treating neck of femur fractures in adults on the outcome basis of union time, less operation time, and better Harris hip score (HHS) with significant heterogeneity.

The efficacy of dynamic compression locking system vs. dynamic hip screw in the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a comparative study

Background

There is still a lack of consensus on which internal fixation method can better maintain the stability of femoral neck fractures (FNF), promote fracture healing, and reduce postoperative complications such as femoral head necrosis and nonunion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the novel dynamic compression locking system (DCLS) versus dynamic hip screw (DHS) in the treatment of FNF.

Methods

Fifty cases of FNF from July 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into DCLS group (26 cases) and DHS group (24 cases). Baseline data, intraoperative and postoperative clinical data, reoperation rate, and Harris score were collected to evaluate the clinical efficacy.

Results

All patients were followed up for 24 months. All “fractures” were caused by fall. The baseline data of the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). There weren’t significant differences in the length of hospital stay and mobility after two years postoperatively between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, incision length, fluoroscopy times and the degree of femoral neck shortening after two years postoperatively in the DCLS group were significantly less than those in the DHS group (all P < 0.05). Harris score after two years postoperatively in the DCLS group was significantly higher than that in the DHS group (P < 0.05). Although the reoperation rate in the DHS group was slightly higher than that in the DCLS group, it wasn’t statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with DHS, DCLS in the treatment of FNF had less surgical trauma, shorter incision length, shorter operation time, lower radiation dose and higher Harris scores. Although the reoperation rate in the DHS group was slightly higher than that in the DCLS group, it wasn’t statistical difference. Further research is needed.

Comparison of femoral neck system to multiple cancellous screws and dynamic hip screws in the treatment of femoral neck fractures

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term outcomes of the femoral neck system (FNS) with multiple cancellous screws (MCS) and dynamic hip screws (DHS) in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 157 patients with fresh femoral neck fractures treated with FNS (from September 2019 to October 2020), MCS, and DHS (from January 2018 to October 2020). According to internal fixation methods, all patients were divided into the FNS group (54 cases), MCS group (51 cases), and DHS group (52 cases). Demographic data were also collected, recorded, and compared, including the follow-up time, days of hospitalization, operation time, blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times (IFT), weight-bearing time (WBT), length of femoral neck shortening (LFNS), Harris hip score, and complications (such as internal fixation failure, bone nonunion, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head) between the three groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 157 patients with a mean age of 61.8 (range, 18-89) years were analyzed. In the FNS group, IFT (median 10.5) was significantly lower than that in the MCS group (median 21) and DHS group (median 20.5) (P<0.05), and WBT was significantly earlier than that of the MCS group (P<0.05). In the FNS group, the median hospitalization time, operation time, and blood loss were 2 (2, 4) days, 45 (40-59) min, and 30 (20, 50) ml, respectively. They were all significantly less than 3.5 (3, 6) days, 72 (55-88.75) min, and 50 (30, 50) ml in the DHS group, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in LFNS, quality of reduction, internal fixation failure rate, and Harris hip score at the latest follow-up (P>0.05). No surgical complications such as incision infection, deep infection, pulmonary embolism, or femoral head necrosis were found in any of the three groups.

CONCLUSION

FNS, MCS, and DHS are all effective for femoral neck fractures. However, a lower IFT of FNS shortens the operation time. Compared to MCS, FNS has the advantages of being a simple operation, with early WBT; compared to DHS, a minimally invasive operation is the main advantage of FNS.

Dynamic Hip Screw versus Cannulated Cancellous Screw in Pauwels Type II or Type III Femoral Neck Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vertically oriented femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are known to be especially unstable FNFs, and they have a higher associated risk of failure. The dynamic hip screw (DHS) technique and the cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) technique are the two main fixation techniques used in the treatment of FNFs. However, no large clinical study has compared the DHS and CCS techniques in patients with high-shear-angle FNFs. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies that compared the DHS and CCS techniques for the treatment of Pauwels type II or type III FNF. Pooled analysis was performed to identify differences between the DHS and CCS techniques in Pauwels type II or type III FNF, with a focus on postoperative complications such as fracture nonunion and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We included five studies with a total of 252 patients. The DHS technique was used in 96 patients (DHS group), and the CCS technique was used in 156 patients (CCS group). The pooled analysis revealed that the nonunion rate in the CCS group was significantly higher than that in the DHS group (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11–0.96; p = 0.04, I² = 0%), but there was no difference in the incidence of ONFH between the groups (OR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.20–4.73; p = 0.98, I² = 53%). For vertically oriented FNFs, the DHS technique is more favorable and has a lower risk of fracture nonunion than the CCS technique.

Clinical outcome of femoral neck system versus cannulated compression screws for fixation of femoral neck fracture in younger patients

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcome of a new fixation device (femoral neck system, FNS) for femoral neck fractures remains unclear. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate two different internal fixation methods for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in patients aged under 60 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients who underwent internal fixation surgery in our hospital for femoral neck fractures between January 2017 and January 2020. Cannulated compression screws (CCS) and FNS groups were divided according to different internal fixation methods. General data (such as sex, age, body mass index, type of fracture) of all patienFemoral neck shorteningts were collected, and joint function was evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and 1 year after surgery. We recorded related surgical complications, including femoral head necrosis, nonunion, and femoral neck shortening.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, sex, or body mass index between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in HHSs between the two groups before surgery. Patients who underwent FNS treatment had longer surgery time (79.75 ± 26.35 min vs. 64.58 ± 18.56 min, p = 0.031) and more blood loss (69.45 ± 50.47 mL vs. 23.71 ± 28.13 mL, p < 0.001). The degree of femoral neck shortening in the FNS group was significantly lower than that in the CCS group (10.0% vs 37.5%, p = 0.036). Regarding postoperative complications, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of femoral head necrosis and fracture nonunion between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients younger than 60 with femoral neck fractures can obtain satisfactory clinical results with CCS or FNS treatment. FNS has excellent biomechanical properties and shows significantly higher overall construct stability.

Strategies for managing the destruction of calcar femorale

BACKGROUND

The calcar femorale was identified long ago. However, our current understanding of the calcar is insufficient, and its related concepts are sometimes confused. The calcar femoral is an important anatomical structure of the proximal femur, and its function can be overlooked. In trauma, tumors, or other diseases, the calcar femorale can be destroyed or changed pathologically. As a result, the mechanical structure of the proximal femur becomes destroyed, causing pathological fractures. How to address the destruction of the calcar femorale or the damage to the calcar femorale is discussed in this article.

MAIN TEXT

Destruction of the calcar femorale is accompanied by many conditions, including trauma, tumors, and other diseases. The types of hip fractures caused by trauma include femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric fractures. Dynamic hip screws, proximal femoral nail anti-rotation, and multiple parallel cannulate pins can be used in different conditions. When metastatic and primary bone tumors involve the calcar femorale, endoprostheses are widely used. Other diseases, such as fibrous dysplasia and aneurysmal bone cyst are treated differently.

CONCLUSIONS

The calcar femorale can redistribute stresses and the destruction of the calcar femorale can lead to an increase in posterior medial stress. Many factors need to be considered when deciding whether to reconstruct the calcar femorale. Effective treatment strategies for managing the destruction of calcar femorale will need first establishing the precise mechanism of the destruction of the calcar and then designing therapies towards these mechanisms. Further investigation to the calcar needs to be carried out.

[Effectiveness of percutaneous compression plate fixation for femoral neck fractures]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) fixation for femoral neck fracture.

Methods

A clinical data of 100 patients with femoral neck fractures who were treated with internal fixation were analyzed retrospectively. The fractures were fixed with the cannulated screws (CS) in 55 patients (CS group) and with the PCCP in 45 patients (PCCP group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, the cause of injury, the fracture type, complications, and disease duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The quality of fracture reduction, bone resorption, screw slipping, femoral neck shortening, complications (nonunion, failure of fixation, and osteonecrosis of femoral head), and functional recovery of hip (Harris score) were compared between the two groups.

Results

All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 24-56 months, with an average of 30.7 months. The quality of fracture reduction was excellent in 26 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 9 cases, and poor in 2 cases in CS group and excellent in 21 cases, good in 17 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 3 cases in PCCP group, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-0.283， P=0.773). The incidence of nonunion in PCCP group was significantly lower than that in CS group ( P=0.046), and the fracture healing time in PCCP group was shorter than that in CS group ( t=2.155, P=0.034). There was no significant difference in the incidences of bone resorption, screw slipping, femoral neck shortening, failure of fixation, and osteonecrosis of femoral head between the two groups ( P>0.05). The overall complication rates were 27.27% (15/55) in CS group and 8.89% (4/45) in PCCP group, showing significant difference ( χ ²=5.435, P=0.020). The Harris score in PCCP group at 6 months after operation was significantly higher than that in CS group ( t=-2.073, P=0.041). However, there was no significant difference in the Harris score at 12, 18, and 24 months after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Stable sliding compression of PCCP is benefit for the femoral neck fracture healing, especially shortening union.