Which non-infection related risk factors are associated with impaired proximal femur fracture healing in patients under the age of 70 years?

[Nonunions after intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures]

INTRODUCTION

The overall frequency of proximal femoral fractures means that we are repeatedly confronted with failed healing and implant failure, despite a relatively low nonunion rate especially in intertrochanteric fractures (< 5%). The aim of this paper is to present our approach to treating these nonunions of the proximal femur and discuss the treatment results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2009 and 2023, patients with nonunion of the proximal femur were retrospectively identified and analyzed. Age, gender, time to revision, the Weber-Cech classification of pseudarthrosis and radiographic imaging before and after revision were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 58 years (range 25-88 years). The overall healing rate was 88% with a mean consolidation time of 8 months (range 2-29 months). The main osteosynthesis procedures were plate osteosynthesis (n = 45, of which 44 were blade plates), and nail replacement (n = 12). Other procedures included augmentative plate osteosyntheses (n = 4), isolated cancellous bone graft (n = 2), nail dynamization (n = 2), and the use of a dynamic hip screw (n = 1).

DISCUSSION

The analysis of our treatment data as well as the current literature, revealed a trend towards intramedullary revision procedures. Implants that can be used to correct the CCD angle, such as the blade plate, remain a predictable option to achieve correction, especially in nonunions with an increased degree of varus. Particularly in the subtrochanteric region, fractures can also be treated in a targeted manner by a combination of mechanical and biological methods with a reamed nail change to a larger caliber implant.

Multidimensional Fluoroscopy to Assess Closed Reduction in Displaced Young Femoral Neck Fractures: A Report of 3 Cases

CASE

The authors present 3 physiologically young patients with displaced femoral neck fractures who underwent initial closed reduction and provisional fixation. Multidimensional fluoroscopy was used to assess fracture reduction before definitive fixation, with 1 patient requiring an open approach because of inadequate fracture reduction after closed attempts.

CONCLUSION

Displaced femoral neck fractures in young patients remain difficult injuries to treat. Reduction quality is a significant predictor of patient outcomes. Intraoperative multidimensional fluoroscopy provides treating surgeons with a tool to assess fracture reduction after closed reduction maneuvers and allows for intraoperative treatment adjustment as needed.