Lag Screw Cut-out Research Articles

Can tip-apex distance and calcar reference tip-apex distance predict lag screw cut-out in elderly patients with trochanteric femoral fractures treated with gamma3 nails

Background: The most common complication of cephalomedullary nail fixation for femoral fractures is lag screw cut-out. The significance of the tip-apex distance (TAD) in predicting lag screw cut-out is still debated. There has been no study conducted on the calcar reference tip-apex distance (CalTAD) regarding its impact on lag screw cut-out. To compare the average TAD and CalTAD between groups with and without lag screw cut-out and to determine the TAD and CalTAD values associated with the highest risk of lag screw cut-out. Methods: This was a prognostic prediction study utilizing a retrospective cohort of 756 patients with trochanteric femoral fractures treated with Gamma3 nails. This study compared the differences in TAD and CalTAD values between the two groups. Results: The group without lag screw cut-out had lower TAD and CalTAD values compared to the group with lag screw cut-out (TAD; 20.3±5.3 mm vs. 22.1±5.7 mm; p=0.044); (CalTAD 22.3±4.4 mm vs. 25.2±5.3 mm; p<0.001). The cutoff points of TAD >23 mm and CalTAD >25 mm were associated with the highest risk of lag screw cut-out (TAD: OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.47-5.77; p=0.002); (CalTAD: OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.73-6.80; p<0.001). Conclusions: The lag screw cut-out group had higher TAD and CalTAD values. TAD values greater than 23 mm and CalTAD values greater than 25 mm were associated with the highest risk of lag screw cut-out.

One year "ADAPT system" use for proximal femoral fracture osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail . A case control study.

Proximal femoral fractures (PFF) are a significant health concern among the elderly, often leading to complications and high mortality rates. Intramedullary nailing is widely considered the most effective treatment for lateral proximal femoral fractures (LPFF), with the Tip Apex Distance (TAD) being a crucial predictor of surgical success. This study aimed to compare outcomes between patients treated with and without the ADAPT (ADAptive Positioning Technology) system, which aids in the precise placement of the cephalic screw. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 97 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated in 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with the ADAPT system (group I, n=34) and those treated without it (group II, n=63). Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. The primary outcomes measured were operative time, cephalic screw angle, TAD, and incidence of lag screw cut-out. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and t-tests, with significance set at P < 0.05. The ADAPT system did not significantly reduce TAD (18.21 mm in the ADAPT group vs.19.94 mm in the control group, p=0.149). Operative times were similar between the groups. The incidence of lag screw cut-out was low in both groups, with no significant differences. The study confirmed a strong correlation between higher TAD and increased risk of screw cut-out, underscoring the importance of precise screw placement. Computer-assisted surgery, such as the ADAPT system, aims to enhance the accuracy of cephalic screw placement. In this study, the ADAPT system didn't demonstrate a statistically significant advantage in reducing TAD or preventing screw cut-out. Nevertheless, the critical role of TAD in preventing fixation failure was reaffirmed, emphasising the need for precise surgical techniques. While the ADAPT system did not show a significant advantage in reducing TAD or preventing screw cut-out in this study, the importance of achieving optimal TAD in cephalomedullary nailing was reinforced. Future research should continue to explore the role of computer-assisted systems in enhancing surgical accuracy and improving outcomes for patients with LPFF.

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.

PROPOSAL OF A MODIFIED TIP APEX DISTANCE FOR PREDICTION OF LAG SCREW CUT-OUT IN TROCHANTERIC HIP FRACTURES

Lag screw cut-out is a serious complication of dynamic hip screw fixation in trochanteric hip fractures. Lag screw position is recognised as a crucial factor influencing the occurrence of lag screw cut-out. We propose a modification of the Tip Apex Distance (TAD) and hypothesize that it could enhance the reliability of predicting lag screw cut-out in these injuries.A retrospective study of hip fracture cases was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. A total of 109 patients were eligible for the final analysis. The modified TAD was measured in millimetres, based on the sum of the traditional TAD in the lateral view and the net value of two distances in the anteroposterior (AP) view. The first distance is from the lag screw tip to the opposite point on the femoral head along the lag screw axis, while the second distance is from that point to the femoral head apex. The first distance is a positive value, whereas the second distance is positive if the lag screw is superior and negative if it is inferior. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the reliability of various parameters for evaluating the lag screw position within the femoral head.Factors such as reduction quality, fracture pattern according to the AO/OTA classification, TAD, Calcar-Referenced TAD, Axis Blade Angle, Parker’s ratio in the AP view, Cleveland Zone 1, and modified TAD were statistically associated with lag screw cut-out. Among the tested parameters, the novel parameter exhibited 90.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for predicting lag screw cut-out at a cut-off value of 25 mm, with a p-value &lt; 0.001.The modified TAD demonstrated the highest reliability in predicting lag screw cut-out. A value of 25 mm may potentially reduce the risk of lag screw cut-out in trochanteric hip fractures.

CEPHALOMEDULLARY NAILING FOR SUBTROCHANTERIC FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES: A COMPARISON OF SINGLE LAG SCREW DEVICE WITH AN INTERCALATED DUAL SCREW DEVICE

Subtrochanteric femoral fractures are a subset of hip fractures generally treated with cephalomedullary nail fixation\[1\]. Single lag screw devices are most commonly-used, but integrated dual screw constructs have become increasingly popular\[2,3\]. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures using a single lag screw (Gamma3 nail, GN) with a dual screw device (InterTAN nail, IN). The primary outcome was mechanical failure, defined as lag screw cut-out, back-out, nail breakage or peri-implant fracture.Consecutive adult patients (18yrs) with subtrochanteric femoral fracture treated in a single centre were retrospectively identified using electronic records. Patients that underwent surgical fixation using either a long GN (2010–2017) or IN (2017–2022) were included. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to identify complications of fixation. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk of mechanical failure and secondary outcomes by implant design. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of mechanical failure.The study included 622 patients, 354 in the GN group (median age 82yrs, 72% female) and 268 in the IN group (median age 82yrs, 69% female). The risk of any mechanical failure was increased two-fold in the GN group (HR 2.44 \[95%CI 1.13 to 5.26\]; _p=0.024_). Mechanical failure comprising screw cut-out (_p=0.032_), back-out (_p=0.032_) and nail breakage (_p=0.26_) was only observed in the GN group. Technical predictors of failure included varus &gt;5° for cut-out (OR 19.98 \[2.06 to 193.88\]; _p=0.01_), TAD;25mm for back-out (8.96 \[1.36 to 58.86\]; p=0.022) and shortening 1cm for peri-implant fracture (7.81 \[2.92 to 20.91\]; _p=&lt;0.001_).Our results demonstrate that an intercalated screw construct is associated with a lower risk of mechanical failure compared with the a single lag screw device. Intercalated screw designs may reduce the risk of mechanical complications for patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

CEPHALOMEDULLARY NAILING FOR SUBTROCHANTERIC FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES: A COMPARISON OF SINGLE LAG SCREW WITH A DUAL LAG SCREW DEVICE

This study compares outcomes of fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures using a single lag screw (Gamma3 nail, GN) with a dual lag screw device (InterTAN nail, IN). The primary outcome was mechanical failure, defined as lag screw cut-out, back-out, nail breakage or peri-implant fracture. Technical factors associated with mechanical failure were also identified.All adult patients (&gt;18yrs) with a subtrochanteric femoral fracture treated in a single centre were retrospectively identified using electronic records. Included patients underwent surgical fixation using either a long GN (2010–2017) or IN (2017–2022). Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk of mechanical failure and technical predictors of failure.The study included 587 patients, 336 in the GN group (median age 82yrs, 73% female) and 251 in the IN group (median age 82yrs, 71% female). The IN group exhibited a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (p=0.002) and CKD□3 (p=0.007). There were no other baseline differences between groups. The risk of any mechanical failure was increased two-fold in the GN group (HR 2.51, p=0.020). Mechanical failure comprising screw cut-out (p=0.040), back-out (p=0.040) and nail breakage (p=0.51) was only observed in the GN group. The risk of peri-implant fracture was similar between the groups (HR 1.10, p=0.84). Technical predictors of mechanical included varus &gt;5° for cut-out (HR 15.61, p=0.016), TAD&gt;25mm for back-out (HR 9.41, p=0.020) and shortening &gt;1cm for peri-implant fracture (HR 6.50, p=&lt;0.001).Dual lag screw designs may reduce the risk of mechanical complications for patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

Fixation of femoral neck fracture with femoral neck system: a retrospective cohort study of 43 patients

BackgroundsThis study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in patients treated with a femoral neck system (FNS, DePuy Synthes), which is a recently introduced device.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis using FNS for FNF between July 2019 and June 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The researchers examined the patients’ demographic factors and radiologically evaluated the fracture type and fixation status, bone union, and postoperative complications.ResultsOf 43 patients, 25 were female, and the patients’ mean age and body mass index were 62.1 years and 22.5 kg/m2, respectively. According to the Association of Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the most common fracture types were 31B1.1 and B1.2 (13 cases each), followed by B2.3, B2.1, and B2.2 (seven, five, and four cases, respectively). Radiological bone union was confirmed in 39 patients (90.7%), and the mean time to union was 3.6 months. Two cases of nonunion, one case of lag screw cut-out, and one case of osteonecrosis were confirmed; all four cases later underwent arthroplasty. The mean time to reoperation was 4.5 months. Meanwhile, five patients underwent implant removal after the bone union, and distal locking screw stripping was noted in three patients. All three patients required metal plate cutting to remove the implants.ConclusionsOsteosynthesis of FNF using the newly introduced FNS showed favorable clinical outcomes and no specific hardware-related complications were reported during the follow-up. However, attention must be paid to the issue regarding distal locking screw failure during hardware removal.

Letter to the Editor: Anterior Malreduction is Associated With Lag Screw Cutout After Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

Letter to the Editor: Anterior Malreduction is Associated With Lag Screw Cutout After Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

Mechanical outcomes of the TFNA, InterTAN and IMHS intramedullary nailing systems for the fixation of proximal femur fractures

IntroductionHip fractures have become a major public health priority due to their increasing incidence. Intramedullary (IM) nailing has gained popularity as a surgical technique for managing these fractures. However, comparative studies with extramedullary devices indicate potentially increased mechanical complications associated with IM nailing. Specifically, there have been recent reports of early implant fracture associated with the TFNA system. This study compares the rate of mechanical complications between 3 implants. Secondarily, we analysed the factors associated with implant fracture and all other mechanical complications. MethodsThis retrospective study included 803 IM nails performed between 2008–2021 for the fixation of proximal femur fractures at a level 1 trauma centre. We recorded patient demographics, AO fracture classification, implant specification and intra-operative parameters such as tip-apex distance, Cleveland index, reduction quality, presence of medial calcar integrity, neck-shaft angle. The outcomes analysed included implant fracture, lag screw cut-out, >10 mm backing out, autodynamisation, periprosthetic fracture, non-union at 6 months and time to revision surgery. ResultsThe overall implant fracture rate was 3.1 % (25/803), with no statistically significant difference between the three devices (p = 0.51). The TFNA group included 183 patients with a median follow-up of 1.6 years. The TFNA fracture rate was 2.2 % (4/183) which occurred at 207 +/- 16.66 days post-operatively. The rate of all mechanical complications was 4.9 % in the TFNA group, 12.9 % in the InterTAN group and 17 % in the IMHS group. Non-union (p < 0.001) and increasing lag screw length (p < 0.02) were identified as risk factors for implant fracture and other mechanical complications. The reverse oblique fracture pattern (AO 31 A3.1) was associated with mechanical complications only (p < 0.01). The cumulative survival rates without revision for the TFNA, InterTAN, IMHS groups were 97.8 %, 95.5 % and 87.9 % respectively at 2.5 years. DiscussionThe rates of implant fracture were comparable between the three nailing systems. The TFNA provides effective fixation for proximal femur fractures using a traditional screw without cement augmentation. The TFNA was associated with an overall reduction in mechanical complications compared to the InterTAN and IMHS. Previously reported mechanical complications associated with IM Nails may relate to older device designs.

Anterior Malreduction is Associated With Lag Screw Cutout After Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

Lag screw cutout is a devastating complication after internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture. Although the tip-apex distance (TAD) is known to be associated with this complication, another factor we thought was potentially important-fracture reduction on an oblique lateral view-has not, to our knowledge, been explored. (1) Is a well-reduced fracture position on an oblique lateral view after internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture associated with a lower odds of postoperative cutout, independently of the TAD? (2) Is postoperative sliding of the lag screw after fixation associated with postoperative cutout? Patients with intertrochanteric fractures who were at least 65 years old and who had been treated with internal fixation in one of six facilities between July 2011 and December 2017 were included. All patients in the study group had lag screw cutout, and controls were selected by risk-set sampling of age-matched and sex-matched patients using a ratio of 4:1 for patients from each hospital. Of the 2327 intertrochanteric fractures, there were 36 patients (0.02 per person-year), with a mean age of 85 years; 89% (32) were women. In the control group, there were 135 controls. There was no difference in age or sex between the two groups. Sagittal reduction was evaluated using an immediate postoperative oblique lateral radiograph (anterior malreduction versus anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction). The association between anterior malreduction and the odds of cutout was estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis with the TAD and interaction between the TAD and the reduced position as covariates. As a sensitivity analysis, we estimated whether sliding within 2 weeks postoperatively was associated with cutout. After controlling for the potentially confounding variables of age and sex, we found that anterior malreduction was independently associated with a higher odds of cutout compared with anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction (adjusted OR 4.2 [95% CI 1.5 to 12]; p = 0.006). There was also an independent association between cutout and larger TAD (≥ 20 mm) (adjusted OR 4.4 [95% CI 1.4 to 14]; p = 0.01). However, the association between cutout and reduction was not modified by the TAD (adjusted OR of interaction term 0.6 [95% CI 0.08 to 4]; p = 0.54). Postoperative sliding ≥ 6 mm within 2 weeks was associated with higher odds of cutout after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted OR 11 [95% CI 3 to 40]; p < 0.001). In patients older than 65 years with intertrochanteric fractures, anterior malreduction on a lateral oblique view was associated with much greater odds of postoperative cutout than anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction. Because anterior malreduction is within the surgeon's control, our findings may help surgeons focus on intraoperative reduction on an oblique lateral view to prevent cutouts. Although this factor is a reliable indicator, the results should be applied to cephalomedullary nails, because there was only one patient with cutout among those with sliding hip screws. Because this study was conducted in a homogenous Japanese population, future studies should focus on the association between anterior malreduction and cutout in people of different ethnicities, adjusting for confounding factors such as implant type and surgeon level. Level III, therapeutic study.

Role of Tip Apex Distance Accuracy in Reducing the Incidence of Lag Screw Cut-Out in the Treatment of Proximal Femur Fractures

Role of Tip Apex Distance Accuracy in Reducing the Incidence of Lag Screw Cut-Out in the Treatment of Proximal Femur Fractures

Cut-Through versus Cut-Out: No Easy Way to Predict How Single Lag Screw Design Cephalomedullary Nails Used for Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures Will Fail?

This study aims to compare patients in whom fixation failure occurred via cut-out (CO) or cut-through (CT) in order to determine patient factors and radiographic parameters that may be predictive of each mechanism. This retrospective cohort study includes 18 patients with intertrochanteric (IT) hip fractures (AO/OTA classification 31A1.3) who underwent treatment using a single lag screw design intramedullary nail in whom fixation failure occurred within one year. All patients were reviewed for demographics and radiographic parameters including tip-to-apex distance (TAD), posteromedial calcar continuity, neck-shaft angle, lateral wall thickness, and others. Patients were grouped into cohorts based on the mechanism of failure, either lag screw CO or CT, and a comparison was performed. No differences in demographics, injury details, fracture classifications, or radiographic parameters were observed between CO/CT cohorts. Of note, a similar rate of post-reduction TAD>25 mm (P=0.936) was observed between groups. A higher rate of DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) confirmed osteoporosis (25.0% vs. 60.0%) was observed in the CT group, but without significance. The mechanism of CT failure during intramedullary nail fixation of an IT fracture did not show an association with clinical data including patient demographics, reduction accuracy, or radiographic parameters. As reported in previous biomechanical studies, the main predictive factor for patients in whom early failure might occur via the CT effect mechanism may be related to bone quality; however, conduct of larger studies will be required in order to determine whether there is a difference in bone quality.

Cephalomedullary Nailing of Unstable Geriatric Intertrochanteric Fractures on a Traction Table Combined with Percutaneous Reduction Techniques is Safe and Results in a Low Rate of Cut-out.

To describe a reproducible technique for reduction assessment and percutaneous reduction of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail on a traction table. Retrospective cohort study. Level-1 trauma center. Two-hundred twenty consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Initial closed reduction performed on a traction table. Accessory incisions were used to facilitate a reduction in 77 patients (35%). All fractures were stabilized with a cephalomedullary nail. Radiographic outcome including union, cut-out and fracture collapse (FC). Surgical outcomes including infection and hematoma were also reported. Mechanical complications (nonunion, cut-out and varus collapse) occurred in 8.8% of patients at one year. Eleven of 13 patients that developed these complications had either sub-optimal implant placement (tip-to-apex distance > 25 mm) or a varus reduction. There was no difference in the incidence of reoperation, nonunion, lag screw cutout, or posttraumatic arthritis based on the use of an accessory incision for fracture reduction. There was a significant increase in FC in patients who received an accessory incision (6.8 mm vs. 5.4 mm, p=0.04). One patient (1%) developed a hematoma in the accessory incision cohort, and one patient (0.7%) that did not have an accessory incision developed a postoperative infection. The current study suggests utilization of accessory incisions assist in reduction is safe and is associated with a low rate of complications. The surgeon should prioritize fracturereduction and optimal implant placement and not hesitate to utilize an accessory incision to assist with fracture reduction. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

AO/OTA 31A3 fractures and postoperative complications in older patients

BackgroundAO/OTA 31A3 fractures (A3 fractures) have risk for postoperative complications with major impact on morbidity and mortality. For older patients, limited information is available for factors associated with postoperative complications. We aimed to assess factors associated with postoperative complications after surgery using cephalomedullary nails. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the information on patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery using cephalomedullary nails for trochanteric fractures due to low-energy trauma in three hospitals. Postoperative complications were diagnosed when patients were identified as nonunion, cutout of lag screw, or nail breakage. First, we compared differences including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system, preoperative waking ability, fracture type, nail length, neck shaft angle, reduction method, reduction quality and tip apex distance between patients with and without postoperative complications. Second, multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with postoperative complications resulting from A3 fractures. ResultsAmong 120 patients with A3 fractures, postoperative complications were identified in 12 patients (10.0%). Postoperative complications were significantly more likely to develop among patients with poor reduction quality (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 35.0 [4.43–275.9]) and a tip-apex distance ≥25 mm (16.4 [1.92–140.3]). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that surgeons should aim to perform appropriate postoperative reduction and to prevent postoperative complications when using a cephalomedullary nail for A3 fractures among older patients.

Proposal of a modified tip apex distance for prediction of lag screw cut-out in trochanteric hip fractures.

Lag screw cut-out is a serious complication of dynamic hip screw fixation of trochanteric hip fractures. The lag screw position has been acknowledged as one of the important factors affecting the lag screw cut-out. We propose a modification of the Tip Apex Distance (TAD) and hypothesise that it could improve the reliability of predicting lag screws cut-out in these injuries. A retrospective study was conducted for hip fracture entries in the period from Jan 2018 to July 2022. A hundred and nine patients were suitable for the final analysis. The modified TAD was measured in millimetres based on the sum of the traditional TAD in the lateral view and the net value of two distances in the AP view, the first distance is from the tip of the lag screw to the opposite point on the femoral head along the axis of the lag screw while the second distance is from that point to the femoral head apex. The first distance is a positive value, whereas the second distance is positive if the lag screw is superior and negative if inferior. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the reliability of the different parameters assessing the lag screw position within the femoral head. Reduction quality, fracture pattern as per the AO/OTA classification, TAD, Calcar Referenced TAD, Axis Blade Angle, Parker's ration in the AP view, Cleveland Zone 1, and modified TAD were statistically associated with lag screw cut-out. Among the tested parameters, the modified TAD had 90.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for lag screw cut-out at a cut-off value of 25mm with a P-value<0.001. The modified TAD had the highest reliability in the prediction of lag screw cut-out. A value ≤25mm could potentially protect against lag screw cut-out in trochanteric hip fractures.

Cephalomedullary Nailing has a Higher Reoperation Rate Compared to Sliding Hip Screw Fixation in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis.

Intertrochanteric hip fractures are a common orthopaedic injury in the United States. Complications of surgical treatment include nonunion, lag screw cutout, implant failure, post-operative pain, risk of refracture or reoperation, and infection. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of complications of sliding hip screw fixation (SHS) compared to cephalomedullary nailing (CMN) for the treatment of closed intertrochanteric femur fractures in adult patients. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing SHS to CMN in the treatment of closed intertrochanteric femur fractures in adults. Data were compiled to observe the rate of nonunion, cutout failure, infection, refracture, perioperative blood loss, reoperation, postoperative pain, pulmonary embolism/deep venous thrombosis (DVT), length of hospital stay, and mortality. Seventeen studies were included comprising 1,500 patients treated with SHS and 1,890 patients treated with CMN. Treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures with SHS demonstrated significantly fewer refractures and reoperations. There was no significant difference in other variables between SHS and CMN treated groups. This meta-analysis shows that the only notable difference in outcomes is patients treated with CMN have a higher rate of refracture and reoperation. With new advances in the development of both CMNs and SHS, further studies will be required to see if these differences persist in the coming years.

Occurrence and clinical outcome of lateral wall fractures in proximal femoral fractures whose fracture line runs from femoral basal neck to subtrochanteric area.

Treatment methods for proximal femoral fractures, when the fractures run from the femoral basal neck to the subtrochanteric area, have not yet been fully reported. Thus, we aimed to clarify osteosynthesis methods based on the fracture frequency and clinical results. We classified the proximal femoral fractures using the Area classification method based on the location (area) of the fracture line. The proximal femur has 4 areas with 3 boundaries; the center of the femoral neck, the boundary between femoral neck and trochanter, and the plane connecting the lower ends of the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter. Fractures occurring only in Area-1 (proximal from the center of the femoral neck) were classified as Type 1; those in both Areas 1 and 2 (base of the femoral neck) were classified as Type 1-2. Therefore, fractures running from femoral basal neck to the subtrochanteric area were classified as Type 2-3-4. We targeted 60 Type 2-3-4 cases (average age 81 years, 10 men, 50 women) out of 1042 proximal femoral fracture cases who visited 8 hospitals in 2 years. We investigated the presence or absence of lateral trochanteric wall fractures, the selection of internal fixator, and the proportion of poor results. The lateral trochanteric wall fracture was observed in 48% of subjects. Long nails were selected to treat 46% cases, and nails with 2 or 3 proximal lag screws were used in 58% cases. Long nails and those with 2 or 3 lag screws were also used in 59% and 69% of lateral trochanteric wall fractures. Poor results such as cutout or excessive telescoping of lag screw occurred in 11.7% of cases and 17.2% of lateral trochanteric wall fractures. Even in cases where long nails and multiple lag screws were used for femoral trochanteric fractures whose fracture line ran from the femoral basal neck to subtrochanteric area were used, the failure rate was high in the presence of a lateral wall fracture. Therefore, it is necessary to consider careful post-operative treatment for proximal femoral fractures with lateral wall fracture, whose fracture line runs from femoral basal neck to subtrochanteric area.

Outcomes of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures treated with cement-augmented proximal femoral nail

Background/Aim: Implant failure due to poor bone quality in osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures increases mortality and morbidity, leading to secondary surgery and complications in patients. Our study aims to evaluate the early functional and radiologic outcomes and complications of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures using a cement-augmented proximal femoral nail design. Methods: This case series included 24 patients AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen type 31-A2.2 in 10 patients, A2.3 in 7 patients, 31-A3.1 in 4 patients, and A3.2 in 3 patients). Proximal femoral nail cement augmentation was invariably accomplished by injecting polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement into the femoral head. The clinical outcome was rated using the Harris Hip Score (HSS) at the time of the final follow-up. The results were recorded as excellent (score &gt;90), decent (score 89–70), and poor (score 70–0). Radiographs were reviewed for implant failure and union. Implant failure was defined as lag screw cut-out or perforation. Results: The average age of our sample was 73.8 (6.9) years, And the mean follow-up time was 13.6 months. In all patients, union was accomplished. Implant failure and cut-out were not observed in any of the patients. The average Harris score at the final follow-up was 80.6. According to the HSS, four patients had excellent, 15 had good, and 5 had poor functional results. Conclusion: Cement-augmented femoral nails can be used safely with a low complication rate in osteoporotic intertrochanteric femur fractures. In future studies, controlled studies should be conducted for this nail design.

Risk Factor of Proximal Lag Screw Cut-Out After Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation in Trochanteric Femoral Fractures: A Retrospective Analytic Study

Objective: A cephalomedullary nail is the treatment of choice for trochanteric fractures; however, a lag screw cutout is one of the most devastating complications. The lag screw cut-out rate was reported to be around 2.5%–8.3%. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lag screw cut-outs and identify the associated risk factors.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 267 trochanteric fracture patients treated with cephalomedullary nail fixation from January 2007 to December 2017 was conducted. The demographic variables were documented, comprising age, gender, fracture pattern, and AO/OTA classification. Immediate postoperative radiographs were assessed for quality of reduction and implant position. Lag screw cut-outs or radiographic union were determined using the final follow-up radiograph. Prognostic factors associated with lag screw cut-out were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: Of the 175 patients, 154 were successfully treated, and 21 had a lag screw cut-out. There were no significant differences in mean ages or genders of the union and cut-out groups. No lag screw cut-outs were observed in patients with AO/OTA 31-A1. Patients with AO/OTA 31-B2.1 had a higher rate of screw cut-out (OR 10.5, [3.22, 34.25] p &lt; .001). The disintegration of basicervical fragments was significantly associated with lag screw cut-out (OR 5.51, [2.01, 15.12] p = .001). The highest cut-out rate was found in the superoanterior and superoposterior positions of the lag screw. However, the screw position did not reach the significance level in a multivariate analysis (p = .094).Conclusion: The prevalence of lag screw cut-out after cephalomedullary nail fixation for trochanteric fractures was 12%. A simple, two-part, basicervical trochanteric fracture hads a significantly higher risk of lag screw cut-out.

Locking in trochanteric fractures: a comparison of static versus dynamic locking using the Gamma3 nail.

The Gamma3 nail (Stryker®) is an intramedullary device consisting of a proximal lag screw and distal interlocking screw. It is still unknown whether the screw locking mode could influence clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare static and dynamic screw locking regarding their influence on surgical revisions and lag screw displacement. A retrospective single-centre study was performed on patients ≥ 60years admitted for a trochanteric fracture between September 2016 and January 2020. Surgical revisions and lag screw displacement were evaluated at6 weeks and 1-year follow-up, respectively. A total of 142 patients were included for analysis. Surgical revisions were needed in 13 cases (9.2%). Indications included implant breakage (n = 3), lag screw cut-out (n = 3), lateral hip pain (n = 6) and non-union (n = 1). The number of surgical revisions was not different between static and dynamic locking (OR 2.55; 95%CI 0.73-8.56; p 0.142). The median lag screw displacement was 2.5mm, which was similar for static and dynamic locking (2.3mm versus 2.7mm; p 0.785). The screw locking mode of the Gamma3 nail is not associated with a higher risk of surgical revisions. However, the design of the Gamma3 nail may not be suitable for static locking.