Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of intertrochanteric femoral fractures on mortality, morbidity, and cost of zoledronate treatment in elderly patients treated by osteosynthesis. Based on Evans classification, 114 patients with unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with osteosynthesis. After the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, the treatment group (M/F, 24/32; mean age, 76.7 ± SD years) received zoledronate infusion, and the control group (M/F, 20/38; mean age, 80.2 ± SD years) received placebo. Postoperative control visits were performed at 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month time points. Functional level of patients was evaluated by the modified Harris hip score and Merle d'Aubigné hip score. By 12 months, the mean HHS in treatment and control groups was 81.93 and 72.9, respectively. For time of death of the patients, mortality was found to be 57.1% (16/28) on the first 3 months and 92.9% (26/28) on the first six months. The mortality rate in the treatment and control groups was 14.3% (8/56) and 34.5% (20/58), respectively. The use of zoledronic acid after surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients is a safe treatment modality which helps to reduce mortality, improves functional outcomes, and has less side effects with single dose use per year.
Highlights
Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are often seen in the 6th and 8th decades and associated with morbidity, decrease in daily functions, and mortality in elderly patients [1, 2]
As higher mortality and morbidity rates were reported with conservative treatment in intertrochanteric fractures, surgical treatment and early weight bearing are regarded as the standard approach [4]
Because of high rate of bone union in intertrochanteric fractures due to occurring in extra capsular and cancellous bone, rigid internal determination methods are considered as the first choice in surgical treatment [4, 5]
Summary
Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are often seen in the 6th and 8th decades and associated with morbidity, decrease in daily functions, and mortality in elderly patients [1, 2]. Because of high rate of bone union in intertrochanteric fractures due to occurring in extra capsular and cancellous bone, rigid internal determination methods are considered as the first choice in surgical treatment [4, 5]. Zoledronic acid is a potent bisphosphonate used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of zoledronic acid on mortality and morbidity of intertrochanteric hip fractures in the patients aged over 65 who underwent surgical osteosynthesis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
