GUNSHOT-INDUCED FRACTURE OF THE PROXIMAL FEMUR: OUTCOMES OF MANAGEMENT AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Gunshot-induced fractures of the proximal femur typically present with severe comminution and bone loss. These fractures may also be associated with local damage to soft tissue, neurovascular structures and injuries to abdominal organs. The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of civilian gunshot injuries to the proximal femur at a major trauma center in South AfricaA retrospective review of all patients who sustained gunshot-induced proximal femur fractures between January 2014 and December 2017 was performed. Patients with gunshot injuries involving the hip joint, neck of femur or pertrochanteric fractures were included. Patient demographics, clinical- treatment and outcome data were collected. Results are reported as appropriate given the distribution of continuous data or as frequencies and counts.Our study included 78 patients who sustained 79 gunshot-induced proximal femur fractures. The mean age of patients was 31 ± 112, and the majority of patients were male (93.6%). Pertrochantenteric fractures were the most common injuries encountered (73.4%). Treatment included cephalomedullary nail (60.8%), arthrotomy and internal fixation (16.4%) and interfragmentary fixation with cannulated screws (6%). One case of complete neck of femur fracture had fixation failure, which required conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The overall union rate was 69.6%, and 6.3% of patients developed a fracture-related infection in cases who completed follow-up.The study shows an acceptable union rate when managing these fractures and a low risk of infection. As challenging as they are, individual approaches for each fracture and managing each fracture according to their merits yield acceptable outcomes.