Percutaneous compression plating (PCCP) versus the dynamic hip screw for pertrochanteric hip fractures: preliminary results

Abstract

The percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) is a new implant for the minimally invasive treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures that might reduce blood loss, wound problems and prevent devascularization of bone fragments. A quicker operation with minimal blood loss is better in the older patients. We performed a prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare the PCCP with the well-known dynamic hip screw (DHS). A total of 71 patients with an Evans type 1A–D pertrochanteric hip fractures were included. We measured the operation duration, blood loss, wound healing, complications, fracture healing and functional outcome. In total, 33 PCCP and 38 DHS were implanted. The mean operation times were 69.2 and 46.6 min for DHS and PCCP, respectively ( P=0.000). Blood transfusions were given in 24 DHS patients compared with six PCCP patients ( P=0.000). There were 27 haematomas in the DHS group and eight in the PCCP group ( P=0.000). There were no differences in fracture healing and the functional outcome between the two implants ( P=0.767, ns). Although this is a preliminary study with a relatively small number of patients and short follow-up, the PCCP seems similar to the DHS in relation to bone healing and stability, but with significant advantages for blood loss, soft tissue healing and operation time.