Hip arthroplasty for failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

Objective To respectively analyze the results and complications of hip arthroplasty for failed intertrochanteric hip fractures treating with internal fixation.Methods From July 2004 to June 2006,32 patients(24 males and 8 females)were treated with hip arthroplasty after the failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures.The mean age was 71 years(range,57-81 years)at the time of the hip arthroplasty.The average interval from fracture to arthroplasty was 40 months(range,5-70 months).Fifteen patients had been treated with sliding hip screw,10 with intramedullary nail,5 with plate and screws,2 with multiple screws.The failure modes were nonunion in 8 patients,implant cut out from the femoral head in 9,avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 7,and traumatic arthritis in 8 patients.Cemented stems were used in 12 hips,and uncemented stems in 20 hips.Standard prostheses were used in 25,long-stem prostheses in 7.Results Twenty-eight patients were followed up for a minimum of 4 years after the hip arthroplasty,with the mean period of 5 years(range,4-6 yeas).For these 28 patients,the average preoperative Harris Hip Score was 37(range,32-45),and 88(range,84-95)at the latest follow-up.The average acetabular inclination was 44°(range,42°-48°).No loosing was found in cotyloid components.Nine of 10 cemented femoral components had cementation rated as grade C,and 1 as grade A.Three had heterotopic bone six months postoperatively,and 2 were Brooker type Ⅱ,one was type Ⅲ.Conclusion Hip arthroplasty is an effective salvage procedure after the failed treatment of an intertrochanteric fracture in an older patient. Key words: Arthroplasty,replacement,hip; Hip fractures; Treatment failure