Abstract
External fixation has proven to be a viable minimally invasive treatment option for elderly patients with trochanteric fractures. Postoperative complications has limited external fixation in relation to inadequate pin fixation. We compared Orthofix pertrochanteric fixator (OPF) with hydroxyapatite-coated pins to dynamic hip screw (DHS) with AO/ASIF stainless-steel screws in osteoporotic trochanteric fractures. Methods: Forty patients were divided into two groups and randomized for treatment with 135° 4-hole DHS (Group A) or OPF with four hydroxyapatite-coated pins (Group B). Inclusion criteria was: female, age ≥ 65 years, AO fracture type A1 or A2 and BMD lower than -2.5 T-score. All fixators were removed at 3 months. Results: There were no differences in patient age, fracture type, BMD, ASA, hospital stay and reduction quality. Average number of blood transfusions was 2.0 ± 0.1 in Group A, whereas there were none in Group B (p < 0.0001). Operative time was 64 ± 6 minutes in Group A and 34 ± 5 in Group B (p < 0.005). Post-operative femoral neck shaft angle was 134 ± 6° in Group A, and 132 ± 4° in Group B (ns). In Group A, fracture varization at 6 months was 6 ± 8°, in Group B 2 ± 1° (p = 0.002). Harris hip score was 62 ± 20 in Group A and 63 ± 17 in Group B. (n.s.) In Group B, no pin infection occurred. Pin fixation was maintained over time, as shown by no significant difference between pin extraction and corresponding insertion torque. Discussion and Conclusion: In external fixation with hydroxyapatite-coated pins there was no need for blood transfusions and fixation was superior, as confirmed by less varization at long-term.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
