Abstract
Pertrochanteric hip fractures in sportive young adults are mainly caused by a high-energy trauma and treated in the same way as in the older population, using an osteosynthesis immediately followed by a rehabilitation program for several months. The current standard is not to remove osteosynthesis material, similar to the case of older patients. A 45-year-old male cyclist experienced a right pertrochanteric femoral fracture, treated with cephalomedullary nails. After 9months of adequate rehabilitation, weakness of the quadriceps musculature and functional complaints persisted, objectified through an isokinetic strength test and a significantly reduced score on the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire. The patient was unable to return to his previous level of cycling performance. After exclusion of structural bone complications, nerve injury, and central sensitization, the functional complaints and strength deficiency were hypothesized to be related to the osteosynthesis material. Therefore, the hardware was removed 9months after the first surgery, and the rehabilitation was continued for another 20weeks. Very soon after the removal of the hardware, the functional complaints disappeared with a remarkable improvement of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The isokinetic strength test showed complete recovery of muscle strength 20weeks after osteosynthesis removal, and preinjury cycling performance values were obtained 9months posthardware removal. Despite an adequate rehabilitation following a hip fracture, sporty young adults may fail to reach their previous level of functioning. Osteosynthesis removal may be indicated in this sportive population to reach complete muscle strength and functional recovery. The management of hip fractures in the sportive young adult and the identification of patients who may benefit from removal of the hardware require more research.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
