Fixation Of Femoral Fractures Research Articles

Staged Management for Distal Femur Fractures: Impacts on Reoperation, Stiffness, and Overall Outcomes.

To evaluate the outcomes of staged management with external fixation (ex-fix) prior to definitive fixation of distal femur fractures. Design: Retrospective cohort. Single Level I Trauma Center. Adults treated operatively between 2004 and 2019 for distal femur fractures (OTA/AO 33A/33C) were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Excluded cases were those with screw only fixation, acute distal femur replacement, 33B fracture pattern, no radiographs available, or did not have 6-months of follow-up. Postoperative complication rates including surgical site infection [SSI], reoperation to promote bone healing, final knee arc of motion <90 degrees, heterotopic ossification formation, and reoperation for stiffness were compared between patients treated with ex-fix prior to definitive fixation and those not requiring ex-fix. A total of 407 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 27 months (median [IQR] of 12 [7,33] months), (range 6-192 months). Most patients were male (52%) with an average age of 48 [Range: 18-92] years. Ex-fix was utilized in 150 (37%) cases and 257 (63%) cases underwent primary definitive fixation. There was no difference in SSI rates (p=0.12), final knee arc of motion <90 degrees (p=0.51), and reoperation for stiffness (p=0.41) between the ex-fix and no ex-fix groups. The 150 patients requiring ex-fix spent an average of 4.2 days (SD 3.3) in the ex-fix before definitive fixation. These patients were further analyzed by comparing the duration of time spent in ex-fix, <4 days (n=82) and ≥4 days (n=68). Despite longer time spent in ex-fix prior to definitive fixation, there was again no significant difference in any of the complication and reoperation rates when comparing the two groups, including final knee arc of motion <90 degrees (p=0.63), reoperation for stiffness (p=1.00), and SSI (p=0.79). Ex-fix of distal femur fractures as a means of temporary stabilization prior to definitive ORIF does not increase the risk of complications such as SSI, final knee arc of motion <90 degrees, or reoperations for bone healing or stiffness when compared to single stage ORIF of distal femur fractures. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Biomechanical evaluation of Gamma 3 nail with anti-rotation screw fixation for unstable femoral neck fractures: a biomechanical study

This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the Gamma 3 nail with an anti-rotation screw (GNS) and compare it to two established gold-standard methods for treating unstable femoral neck fractures (UFNFs). Synthetic bone models were prepared with Pauwels’ type III osteotomy and an additional posterior wedge. Three different implant configurations were tested: three cannulated crews (3CS) in an inverted triangle configuration, a dynamic hip screw with an anti-rotation screw (DHSS), and GNS. Non-destructive cyclic axial loading was applied at 7° adduction, with 1000 cycles ranging from 100 to 1000 N. Subsequently, a construct failure test was conducted using progressive axial compression, and fracture reduction loss was recorded. The average axial stiffness was 321 ± 52 N/mm for 3CS, 430 ± 71 N/mm for DHSS, and 519 ± 104 N/mm for GNS. The average ultimate failure loads were 2699.3 N for 3CS, 3427.1 N for DHSS, and 3758.9 N for GNS. GNS demonstrated significantly greater axial stiffness compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). Both DHSS and GNS exhibited similar failure loading, which were greater than those of 3CS (P < 0.05). GNS offers the advantages of a minimally invasive and intramedullary implant with comparable stability to the DHSS system. Moreover, GNS demonstrated superior biomechanical performance compared to 3 CS configuration.

Does postoperative immobilization affect final alignment of pediatric femur fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nailing?

Flexible intramedullary nail (FIN) fixation of pediatric femur fractures is a popular method of fixation in children. Typical immobilization options include spica casting, long leg cast, knee immobilizers, or no immobilization and the decision to use each is usually left to surgeon preference. Our primary aim is to evaluate whether different postoperative immobilization status influences outcomes, namely radiographic alignment at the time of healing. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with femur fractures treated with FIN fixation at a pediatric hospital from April 2018 through July 2022. Postoperative immobilization protocols were recorded and separated into two groups, patients who were immobilized (IMM) and patients who were not immobilized (NoIMM). Radiographs were evaluated for fracture alignment immediately following surgery and at the time of healing. Patients demographic, fracture, and postoperative clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups (NoIMM vs. IMM). A total of 41 patients were treated for diaphyseal femur fractures with FINs at our institution during the study period. No significant difference was observed in alignment at healing. Our results suggest that either immobilization or no immobilization after flexible intramedullary nailing of pediatric femoral shaft fractures are viable options when postoperative immobilization status is left to the surgeon's discretion.

Challenges of perioperative pain control in opioid use disorder patients following intramedullary nail fixation.

Outcomes of patients with opioid use disorder undergoing elective procedures have been well studied, but research is lacking in the orthopaedic trauma population. The aim was to compare perioperative pain and morphine equivalents required by patients with versus without opioid use disorder following intramedullary nail fixation of femoral or tibial fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with isolated femoral or tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation. Outcomes were compared between patients with diagnosed opioid use disorder and controls without, including daily morphine equivalents and patient-reported pain scores. Patients with opioid use disorder (n = 42) required greater morphine equivalents and reported higher pain than controls (n = 42) at all time points but did not differ in change of morphine equivalents over the perioperative period. This highlights the challenge of perioperative pain control in this population and need for improved specific pain management protocols.

Far Cortical Locking Versus Standard Constructs for Locked Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Acute, Displaced Fractures of the Distal Femur

Background: Fixation of distal femoral fractures remains a challenge, and nonunions are common with standard constructs. Far cortical locking (FCL) constructs have been purported to lead to improved fracture-healing as compared with that achieved with traditional locking bridge plates. We sought to test this hypothesis in a comparative effectiveness clinical trial. Methods: This randomized trial was performed across 16 centers and included adult patients with an AO/OTA type 33A or 33C distal femoral fracture that was suitable for bridging fixation. We excluded patients with periprosthetic fractures. Participants were randomly assigned to either FCL fixation or standard locking plate fixation. The primary outcome was a hierarchical composite of radiographic and clinical fracture-healing at 3 months after fixation. We estimated between-group differences with use of the win ratio approach. Secondary outcomes included radiographic healing, clinical fracture-healing, complications, reoperations, and health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey Version 2 [SF-36] Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores) at 3, 6, and 12 months after fixation. Results: We randomly assigned 193 patients to treatment with either FCL screws (96 patients) or standard screws (97 patients). The study population had a mean age of 63.4 years, consisted predominantly of women (68%), and was well-balanced between AO/OTA 33A and 33C fractures. Based on 4,355 pairwise comparisons, the calculated win ratio was 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.79; p = 0.45), indicating that patients assigned to FCL screws had better outcomes in 51% of the comparisons. Radiographic healing did not differ significantly between the groups (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.69 to 2.72; p = 0.38), nor did Function IndeX for Trauma (FIX-IT) scores (p = 0.41). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores at 3 months or in the change in scores at 12 months after fixation. Conclusions: In this multicenter randomized trial of adult patients with an AO/OTA type 33A or 33C distal femoral fracture, similar clinical and radiographic healing outcomes were observed in the FCL and standard fixation groups. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The use of fully threaded headless cannulated screws for femoral neck fracture fixation in small-breed dogs show promise in cadaveric study.

To biomechanically evaluate the stability of internal fixation methods for femoral neck fractures in small-breed dogs. Furthermore, the possibility of replacing the headed screw with fully threaded headless cannulated screws in the fixation method was assessed. The study was conducted from December 12, 2023, to February 7, 2024. A total of 18 femurs from 9 canine cadavers were used in this study. After a simple neck fracture was created, in group A (n = 6), the fracture was stabilized with three 1.1-mm parallel Kirschner wires (K-wires). In group B (n = 6), a 3.0-mm partially threaded cannulated screw and an antirotation pin were used. In group C (n = 6), a 2.5-mm fully threaded headless cannulated screw and an antirotation pin were used. A mechanical test was conducted to apply a single axial compressive load to the femoral head. 9 adult small-breed dogs weighing 3.6 to 8.3 kg (mean ± SD; 5.9 ± 1.6). The mean maximum failure load was highest in group C (495 ± 81 N), followed by group B (454 ± 50.4 N), and then group A (222 ± 21.6 N). Significant differences in maximum failure load were observed between groups A and B as well as groups A and C but not between groups B and C. The use of fully threaded headless cannulated screws presents a promising method for internal fixation of canine femoral neck fractures. To demonstrate the potential stability and reliability of fully threaded headless cannulated screws.

Biomechanical comparison of two fixation methods for pediatric femoral neck fractures: an in vitro study using ovis aries lambs.

In pediatric patients, femoral neck fracture is a relatively rare injury with a high complication rate despite proper diagnosis and treatment. Fixation of femoral neck fractures is usually performed with screws placed along the neck axis. In this study, we aim to compare two different implants and methods in terms of biomechanics. Twenty-eight right-left fresh femur bones of 6-month-old male Ovis aries lambs grown on the same farm were used. Bones were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7). In group 1, the Delbet type III femoral neck fracture model was fixed with two 4.5 mm cannulated screws, one screw crossing the physis. In group 2, two 4.5 mm cannulated screws, which did not cross the physis, were used. In group 3, Delbet type III femoral neck fracture model was fixed with a 3.5 mm proximal femoral anatomical plate and five screws, one screw crossing the physis. Finally, in group 4, Delbet type III femoral neck fracture model was fixed with one 3.5 mm proximal femoral anatomical plate and five screws that did not exceed the physis. Biomechanical tests were performed using a Zwick/Roell AllroundLine 100 kN device. While axial failure burden (F = 6.819, p<.05, d = .46) and axial stiffness (F = 3.576, p<.05, d = .30) have been found to be significantly different between the independent treatment groups, axial failure displacement (F = .622, p>.05) and axial failure energy (F = .727, p>.05) have been found not to be significant between the independent groups. The effect sizes of the axial failure load and axial stiffness variables were 0.46 and 0.30, respectively, suggesting a moderate clinical effect. The highest axial failure load was recorded in group 3, while the smallest load was recorded in group 2. Similarly, the axial stiffness level in group 3 was statistically higher than the axial stiffness measurement recorded in group 2, p<.05. Consequently, we found that the biomechanical fixation success was the highest with a 3.5 mm proximal femoral anatomical plate, a 3.5 mm locking screw crossing the physis, and five 3.5 mm screws.

Extra Medullary Fixation in Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures by PF-LCP.

Perception that extra-medullary fixation of these fractures are fraught with difficulties and deficiencies is becoming inappropriate. This device provides angular stable fixation retaining fracture biology with minimum interference to osseous and soft-tissue vascularity and it does not require reaming which destroys 80% of endosteal vasculature for 6-12weeks. PFLCP averts iatrogenic fracture in lateral trochanteric wall (LTW) which is frequent with DHS, protects LTW from secondary fracture in post-operative period. Aim is to assess outcome of unstable proximal femur fracture fixation by PFLCP. Study included 64 from 2016 to 2020, divided in two groups. (A) Unstable intertrochanteric fracture and (B) subtrochanteric fracture (Seinsheimer types II-V). All fractures fixed by MIPO with PFLCP. Loss of reduction, infection, cut-out, cut-through, backing of screws, bending or breaking of plate and screw, malunion, non-union and revision were evaluated. Fracture healing and functional recovery assessed by Reborne Score and Parker Mobility Score (PMS) respectively. Out of 64, 24 achieved pre-injury PMS, 32 declined by 1 point, 6 declined by 2 points and 1 by 3 points, one required revision. Using various parameters 37.5% patients had excellent results and 50% had good results, 9.38% had average and 3.12% had poor result. None reported non-union or breakage of plate. PFLCP provides angular stable fixation, torsional stability with high biomechanical strength to resist deforming stresses. MIPO avoids soft-tissue stripping reducing blood-loss, retains periosteal blood supply to inter-fragmentary bone fragments, enhancing fracture healing, reducing complications, such as delayed healing, nonunion, infection and implant failure.

In Vitro Biomechanical Study of Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation with Two or Three Cannulated Screws in Dogs.

To evaluate the in vitro mechanical properties of basilar fractures of the femoral neck stabilized with two or three titanium-cannulated screws in dogs. Ex vivo study. Cadaveric canine femur (n = 21). The bones were divided as follows: Group 1: control (no osteotomy); Group 2: osteotomy and stabilization with two cannulated screws; and Group 3: osteotomy and stabilization with three cannulated screws. All groups were tested with destructive axial compression with load applied to the femoral head. The stiffness, load, and displacement were evaluated at the failure of Group 1, and the yield load and displacement of Groups 2 and 3. The placement of the three cannulated screws was more demanding than two cannulated screws because of the risk of cortical perforation, especially in the trochanteric fossa area. The smaller the width of the femoral neck, the higher the risk of cortical bone wall perforation. The intact control bones were stiffer (674 N/mm) than both the two-screw repair (90 N/mm) and three-screw repair (120 N/mm) groups (p < 0.05). The failure load was greatest for Group 1 (2692 N). The yield loads for Groups 3 and 2 were 586 and 303 N, respectively. There was no difference between groups for displacement. In vitro cadaveric models of femoral neck basilar fractures repaired with three cannulated screws were significantly stronger than two cannulated screws, but the clinical efficacy must be evaluated by comparing them in vitro with noncannulated stainless steel screws.

Comparison of femoral neck system versus cannulated cancellous screws for the fixation of femoral neck fracture: a single-center retrospective cohort study

IntroductionThe dynamic hip screw (DHS) and cannulated compression screws (CCS) have been the two implants most frequently employed for the fixation of femoral neck fractures. The objective of this study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients treated with the FNS and those treated with CCS.Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of femoral neck fractures treated with FNS or CCS between May 2019 and June 2022. The study included 144 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Collected data encompassed age, sex, Garden fracture classification, Pauwels classification, duration of surgery, length of hospital stays, Harris Hip Score (HHS), complications, and injured side.ResultsThe FNS group comprised 70 patients, while the CCS group consisted of 74 patients. The operation time was 43.6 ± 12.09 min for the FNS group and 56.47 ± 22.42 min for the CCS group. At the end of the follow-up, the mean HHS was 87.07 ± 11.77 for the FNS group and 76.20 ± 13.64 for the CCS group. The mean reduction in hemoglobin levels from pre- to post-surgery was 1.05 mg/dl in the FNS group and 0.87 mg/dl in the CCS group. The reintervention rate was 8.1% for the CCS group and 2.85% for the FNS group.ConclusionThe FNS does not demonstrate superiority over CCS regarding femoral neck shortening, complication rate, and reduction in hemoglobin levels. However, FNS does appear superior to CCS in terms HHS, operation time, and reoperation rate.

OUTCOMES OF DISTAL FEMUR FRACTURE IN THE ELDERLY TREATED WITH EITHER SINGLE PLATE OR DUAL PLATING OR NAIL-PLATE COMBINATION: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM A SINGLE CENTRE

IntroductionDistal femur fracture fixation in elderly presents significant challenges due to osteoporosis and associated comorbidities. There has been an evolution in the management of these fractures with a description of various surgical techniques and fixation methods; however, currently, there is no consensus on the standard of care. Non-union rates of up to 19% and mortality rates of up to 26 % at one year have been reported in the literature. Delay in surgery and delay in mobilisation post-operatively have been identified as two main factors for high rate of mortality. As biomechanical studies have proved better stability with dual plating or nail-plate combination, a trend has been shifting for past few years towards rigid fixation to allow early mobilisation. Our study aims to compare outcomes of distal femur fractures managed with either single plate (SP), dual plating (DP) or nail-plate construct (NP).MethodsA retrospective review of patients aged above 65 years with distal femur fractures (both native and peri-prosthetic) who underwent surgical management between June 2020 and May 2023 was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups based on mode of fixation - single plate or dual plating or nail-plate construct. AO/OTA classification was used for non-periprosthetic, and Unified classification system (UCS) was used for periprosthetic fractures. Data on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical details, postoperative complications, re-operation rate, radiological outcomes and mortality rate were evaluated. Primary objective was to compare re-operation rate and mortality rate between 3 groups at 30 days, 6 months and at 1 year.ResultsA cohort of 32 patients with distal femur fractures were included in this study. 91% were females and mean age was 80.97 (range 68–97). 18 (53%) were non-periprosthetic fracture and 14 (47%) were periprosthetic fractures.18 patients underwent single plate fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 8, 33B/C – 2, UCS V3B – 5, V3C – 3),10 patients had dual plate fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 1, 33B/C – 4, UCS V3B – 3, V3C – 2) and 4 patients underwent nail-plate combination fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 4). 70.5% patients had surgery within 36 hours of admission and 90% within 48 hours. Analysis showed no re-operation at 30 days, 6 months in all 3 groups. At 1 year one patient had re-operation in dual-plating periprosthetic group (Distal femur replacement done for failed fixation). Three patients (16%) in single plate group had re-operation at 2 years (2 for peri-implant fracture and 1 for infection). None of the patients treated with Nail-plate combination had re-operation. Mortality rate at 30 days was 0% in among all the 3 groups. At 6 months, it was 16% in single plate group and 0% in DP and NP groups at 6 months and at 1 year mortality rate was 27% in SP group, 10% in DP and 0% in NP group. Combined mortality rate was 0% at 30 days, 9% at 6 months and 18.7% at one year.ConclusionOur analysis provides insights into fixation methods of distal femur fractures in elderly patients. We conclude that a lower re-operation rate and mortality rate can be achieved with early surgery and rigid fixation with either dual plating or nail-plate construct to allow early mobilisation. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and guide the selection of optimal surgical strategies for these challenging fractures.

Fracture Lines and Patterns in Intra-articular Distal Femur Fractures.

Distal femur fractures are complex injuries that often present with multiple fragments, posing notable challenges to fixation. This study aimed to (1) use preoperative CT scans to graphically display fracture lines in intra-articular distal femur fractures and (2) identify common fracture patterns in these injuries. All skeletally mature patients that underwent surgical fixation of Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 33C distal femur fractures between 2012 and 2022 were identified across two level 1 trauma centers (n = 63). Preoperative axial, sagittal, and coronal computed tomography scans were obtained. Fracture lines in each plane were traced out and superimposed on standardized distal femur cross-sections, generating a fracture map for each plane. Injury and fracture characteristics were summarized and compared between fracture patterns. On axial scans, 59 of 63 fractures contained a central intercondylar split from the intercondylar notch to the trochlea. On coronal scans, fracture lines originated at the notch and exited laterally and medially in the supracondylar region, creating a Y-shape. One-third of all fractures contained coronal fracture lines, with most involving the lateral condyle. Based on fracture line orientation and location, fractures were divided into four main fracture pattern types. Type 4 fractures (central split and medial coronal fracture line) were associated with lower average medial fracture height and a lower rate of medial metaphyseal comminution. We found that C-type distal femur fractures can present with four main fracture patterns. Most fractures contain a central sagittal intercondylar split, and a high proportion of fractures contain either medial or lateral coronal fracture lines. Fracture pattern was associated with mechanism of injury, presence of medial comminution, and medial fracture line height. Future studies should focus on clinical outcomes and surgical management of these distinct fracture patterns. IV.

666 Audit of Tip-Apex Distance in Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures

Abstract Aim Lag screw cutout is the commonest mechanical failure in dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation of proximal femoral fractures. Tip-apex distance (TAD), the combined distance from the tip of the lag screw to the apex of the femoral head on AP and lateral views, is the most important predictive factor for cutout. TAD &amp;gt;25mm is associated with a high risk of cutout. The aim was to determine the proportion of DHS fixations performed in our department with ‘acceptable’ TAD (&amp;lt;25mm) and assess the impact of weekly departmental metalwork meetings. Method Retrospective data was collected of all DHS fixations performed in our department in a 6-month period. Intraoperative imaging was reviewed to determine TAD. Posters illustrating TAD recommendations were displayed in theatre, and a weekly departmental metalwork meeting was introduced, reviewing imaging from all surgeries performed. Post-intervention, a further audit cycle over a 6-month period was performed. Results 50 patients underwent DHS fixation during the initial audit cycle. Mean TAD was 22.85mm (range 15mm – 36mm); TAD exceeded 25mm in 13 cases (26%). In the second cycle (n=53), mean TAD reduced to 14.95mm (range 8.5mm – 29.4mm), with 1 case exceeding 25mm (2%). Conclusions The introduction of a weekly departmental metalwork meeting has significantly reduced the mean tip-apex distance of DHS fixations in our department, as well as the proportion of fixations with an unacceptable TAD. This should reduce the risk of lag screw cutout in these patients.

Comparative Study of Preoperative Ultrasound Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Femoral Nerve Block for Analgesia before Spinal Anesthesia for Proximal Femur Fracture Fixation

Abstract Background Proximal femur fractures are most common fractures especially in elderly population. Regional anaesthesia is preferred during surgery in these patients. However, the severe pain associated with these injuries makes appropriate positioning difficult for the regional anaesthesia, thus altering their overall success rate, also the majority of patients often experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. Aim of the Work The study aimed to compare between ultrasound guided PENG and FNB using VAS score to assess the overall efficacy for pain relief during patient positioning for spinal anesthesia. Patients and Methods After approval of anaesthesiology department scientific and ethical committees in Ain Shams University Hospitals, 50 patients were included in the study, and were divided into two groups (n = 25; each); group PENG and FNB group. The two groups were adequately monitored and assessed before spinal anesthesia and post-operatively and they were compared regarding analgesic outcome by using the visual analogue scaling system, besides, recording time for first call for rescue analgesia and total amount of analgesia required. Results This study documented that PENG block is comparable to femoral block for postoperative pain control. The PENG block has been described very first in 2018 for preoperative management of femur neck fracture. We observed no statistically significant difference in pain scores during positioning for spinal anesthesia and for first 24 hrs post-operative. Similarly, no significant difference was also found in first rescue analgesia time and Cumulative nalbuphine consumption at 24 hours after surgery between the two groups. Conclusion In the management of hip fractures, PENG block is not associated in the present study with a significant change in pain score during positioning for spinal anesthesia compared to femoral nerve block.

Fixation techniques for periprosthetic femur fractures around total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

There is no consensus regarding the treatment algorithm for the fixation of periprosthetic femur fractures (PFFs) around a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Established methods of fracture fixation include locking plate (LP) or retrograde intramedullary nail (RIN) techniques. Newer fixation methods include the dual plate (DP) and the nail-plate combination (NPC) techniques. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the outcomes of PFF fixation following TKAs over the past two decades. A systematic review was undertaken in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases in accordance with the PRISMA standards. Selection criteria included: patient cohort &gt; 5 cases and minimum follow-up of 12 mo. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for Cohort Studies and Case Series. Combined data analysis was performed with linear models and linear mixed effect models to compare the post-operative outcomes of the LP, RIN, and DP techniques. Our search identified 1086 studies and 31 were selected for final analysis. The number of the studies for the LP, RIN, DP, and NPC techniques were 23, 15, 4, and 1, respectively. There were no differences in the time to union, Knee Society Knee Score, or range of motion among the LP, RIN, and DP techniques. Although analysis did not demonstrate significant differences, it is limited by the lack of the available studies using the DP technique. Additionally, only one study for the NPC technique was retained after screening and data analysis was therefore not possible.

926 Long-Term Outcomes of Internal Fixation vs Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: A Quantitative Analysis of the Correlation Between Harris Hip Score and Mortality in Elderly Patients

926 Long-Term Outcomes of Internal Fixation vs Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: A Quantitative Analysis of the Correlation Between Harris Hip Score and Mortality in Elderly Patients

Should a low starting point be abandoned for cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures?

A validated femoral neck fracture model stabilized with three inverted cannulated screws was used to consider different intraoperative scenarios when the inferior screw hole is inadvertently started too inferiorly. These scenarios were to: (1) abandon the misplaced inferior screw hole and restart this hole more proximally, or (2) accept the mispositioned placement of the inferior screw and insert the remaining superior screws parallel or convergent to the inferior screw. Utilizing the second option and accepting the errant hole was associated with the greatest interfragmentary motion and stresses in the bone and hardware. In contrast, the first option created an improved mechanical environment for healing.

Delayed femoral artery injury caused by heterotopic ossification: a rare case report and review of the literature

BackgroundArterial injury caused by heterotopic ossification (HO) following fractures is rarely reported, yet it can have catastrophic consequences. This case report presents a unique instance of femoral artery injury and hematoma organization, occurring a decade after intramedullary nail fixation for a femoral shaft fracture complicated by HO.Case presentationA 56-year-old male presented with right femoral artery injury and organized hematoma, a decade after suffering bilateral femoral shaft fractures with mild head injury in a traffic accident. He had received intramedullary nailing for the right femoral shaft fracture and plate fixation for the left side in a local hospital. Physical examination revealed two firm, palpable masses with clear boundaries, limited mobility, and no tenderness. Peripheral arterial pulses were intact. Radiography demonstrated satisfactory fracture healing, while a continuous high-density shadow was evident along the inner and posterior aspect of the right thigh. Computed tomography angiography identified a large mixed-density mass (16.8 × 14.8 × 20.7 cm) on the right thigh’s medial side, featuring central calcification and multiple internal calcifications. The right deep femoral artery coursed within this mass, with a smaller lesion noted on the posterior thigh. Surgical consultation with a vascular surgeon led to planned intervention. The smaller mass was completely excised, but the larger one partially, as it encased the femoral artery. The inability to remove all HO was due to excessive bleeding. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no complications, and one-year follow-up revealed a favorable recovery with restoration of full right lower limb mobility.ConclusionThis case underscores the potential gravity of vascular injury associated with heterotopic ossification. Surgeons should remain vigilant regarding the risk of vascular injury during HO excision.

Biomechanical comparison of the therapeutic effect of a novel proximal femoral bionic intramedullary nail and traditional inverted triangle hollow screw on femoral neck fracture

ObjectiveA novel Proximal Femoral Bionic Nail (PFBN) has been developed by a research team for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. This study aims to compare the biomechanical properties of the innovative PFBN with those of the conventional Inverted Triangular Cannulated Screw (ITCS) fixation method through biomechanical testing.MethodsSixteen male femoral specimens preserved in formalin were selected, with the donors’ age at death averaging 56.1 ± 6.3 years (range 47–64 years), and a mean age of 51.4 years. The femurs showed no visible damage and were examined by X-rays to exclude diseases affecting bone quality such as tumors, severe osteoporosis, and deformities. The 16 femoral specimens were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 8). All femurs were prepared with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, fixed with PFBN in the experimental group and ITCS in the control group. Displacement and stress limits of each specimen were measured through cyclic compression tests and failure experiments, and vertical displacement and strain values under a 600 N vertical load were measured in all specimens through vertical compression tests.ResultsIn the vertical compression test, the average displacement at the anterior head region of the femur was 0.362 mm for the PFBN group, significantly less than the 0.480 mm for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). At the fracture line area, the average displacement for the PFBN group was also lower than that of the ITCS group (0.196 mm vs. 0.324 mm, p < 0.001). The difference in displacement in the shaft area was smaller, but the average displacement for the PFBN group (0.049 mm) was still significantly less than that for the ITCS group (0.062 mm, p = 0.016). The situation was similar on the posterior side of the femur. The average displacements in the head area, fracture line area, and shaft area for the PFBN group were 0.300 mm, 0.168 mm, and 0.081 mm, respectively, while those for the ITCS group were 0.558 mm, 0.274 mm, and 0.041 mm, with significant differences in all areas (p < 0.001). The average strain in the anterior head area for the PFBN group was 4947 μm/m, significantly less than the 1540 μm/m for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). Likewise, in the fracture line and shaft areas, the average strains for the PFBN group were significantly less than those for the ITCS group (p < 0.05). In the posterior head area, the average strain for the PFBN group was 4861 μm/m, significantly less than the 1442 μm/m for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). The strain conditions in the fracture line and shaft areas also showed the PFBN group was superior to the ITCS group (p < 0.001). In cyclic loading experiments, the PFBN fixation showed smaller maximum displacement (1.269 mm vs. 1.808 mm, p < 0.001), indicating better stability. In the failure experiments, the maximum failure load that the PFBN-fixated fracture block could withstand was significantly higher than that for the ITCS fixation (1817 N vs. 1116 N, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe PFBN can meet the biomechanical requirements for internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. PFBN is superior in biomechanical stability compared to ITCS, particularly showing less displacement and higher failure resistance in cyclic load and failure experiments. While there are differences in strain performance in different regions between the two fixation methods, overall, PFBN provides superior stability.

Integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis of sclerosis-related proteins and femoral head necrosis following internal fixation of femoral neck fractures

Femoral head necrosis (FHN) is a serious complication after femoral neck fractures (FNF), often linked to sclerosis around screw paths. Our study aimed to uncover the proteomic and metabolomic underpinnings of FHN and sclerosis using integrated proteomics and metabolomics analyses. We identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites (DEMs) among three groups: patients with FNF (Group A), sclerosis (Group B), and FHN (Group C). Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses, we examined the roles of these proteins and metabolites. Our findings highlight the significant differences across the groups, with 218 DEPs and 44 DEMs identified between the sclerosis and FNF groups, 247 DEPs and 31 DEMs between the FHN and sclerosis groups, and a stark 682 DEPs and 94 DEMs between the FHN and FNF groups. Activities related to carbonate dehydratase and hydrolase were similar in the FHN and sclerosis groups, whereas extracellular region and lysosome were prevalent in the FHN and FNF groups. Our study also emphasized the involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway in sclerosis and FHN. Moreover, the key metabolic pathways were implicated in glycerophospholipid metabolism and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Using western blotting, we confirmed the pivotal role of specific genes/proteins such as ITGB5, TNXB, CA II, and CA III in sclerosis and acid phosphatase 5 and cathepsin K in FHN. This comprehensive analyses elucidates the molecular mechanisms behind sclerosis and FHN and suggests potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for improved treatment strategies. Further validation of the findings is necessary to strengthen the robustness and reliability of the results.