Risk Factors For Fixation Failure Research Articles

Hip & Pelvis

The February 2024 Hip & Pelvis Roundup360 looks at: Trial of vancomycin and cefazolin as surgical prophylaxis in arthroplasty; Is preoperative posterior femoral neck tilt a risk factor for fixation failure? Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip; Periprosthetic fractures in larger hydroxyapatite-coated stems: are collared stems a better alternative for total hip arthroplasty?; Postoperative periprosthetic fracture following hip arthroplasty with a polished taper slip versus composite beam stem; Is oral tranexamic acid as good as intravenous?; Stem design and the risk of early periprosthetic femur fractures following THA in elderly patients; Does powered femoral broaching compromise patient safety in total hip arthroplasty?

Do multiple fractures affect risk of fixation failure after surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fracture? A retrospective cohort study.

Surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures is associated with quick recovery and low risk of non-union. However, fixation failure may occur in case of severe comminution fractures. Moreover, clinical outcomes may be affected when clavicle fractures occur in combination with other injuries, particularly those involving the lower extremities, as the use of crutches or walkers may hinder the process of rehabilitation by adding strain on the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, resulting in possible fixation failure. This study aims to identify risk factors for fixation failure of midshaft clavicle fractures and elucidate the role of combined fractures in treatment outcomes. This study included patients diagnosed with midshaft clavicle fractures who underwent initial surgery between January 2012 and November 2021 at a designated regional trauma center hospital. Retrospective evaluation of fixation failure was carried out in 352 patients with midshaft clavicle fractures using standard clinical evaluation protocols and conventional radiographs. The prevalence of fixation failure and the effects of several demographic variables on the risk of fixation failure and non-union were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent risk factors for fixation failure. Fixation failure occurred in 40 patients (11.4%). Multivariate analysis identified comminution [odds ratio (OR) 3.532, p value = 0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-8.05)] and fewer number of screws (OR 0.223, p value = 0.022, 95% CI 0.06-0.80) as risk factors for fixation failure. Surgical techniques using wire cerclage reduced the chances of fixation failure in comminuted fractures (OR 0.63, p value = 0.033, 95% CI 0.05-0.80). Combined fractures that required rehabilitation using walkers or crutches increased the risk of non-union (OR 19.043, p value = 0.032, 95% CI 1.28-282.46). Additional fixation of comminuted fractures using cerclage can reduce the risk of treatment failure, while multiple fractures or rehabilitation for ambulation increases the risk of the same. III.

Risk factors for fixation failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing: a retrospective study of 251 patients.

This study aimed to identify the variables associated with fixation failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing (CMN). We retrospectively analyzed 251 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between January 2016 and July 2019. In order to identify predictors of failure (cut-out, cut-through, and/or nonunion), we analyzed: gender, age, fracture stability (according to the AO/OTA Classification), femoral neck angle (FNA), FNA as compared to the contralateral hip, lag screw position, and tip-apex distance (TAD). The failure rate was 9.6%: there were 10 cut-outs (4%), 7 non-unions (2.8%), and 7 cut-throughs (2.8%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for fixation failure were: female sex (p= 0.018), FNA <125° (p= 0.003), a difference in FNA of 7.5° as compared to the contralateral hip on the lateral radiograph (p= <0.0001), superior (p= 0.0141) and anterior position (p= <0.0001) of the lag screw, and TAD >25mm (p= 0.016). According to the multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 12.92 ; p 0.0019), the difference in FNA on the lateral view (OR 1.36; p < 0.001), and the anterior position of the screw in the femoral head (OR14.01;p <0.001) were confirmed as independent predictors of failure. In order to avoid failures in intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with CMN, this study confirmed the importance of achieving an accurate reduction on the lateral plane and avoiding the anterior position of the screw on the femoral head.

Preoperative posterior tilt can be a risk factor of fixation failure in nondisplaced femoral neck fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify whether posterior tilt increases the risk of treatment failure in nondisplaced femoral neck fractures. We searched the databases of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1980 to 2022. The search strategy was based on the combination of keywords "nondisplaced," "hip fracture," "femoral neck fracture," and "internal fixation." Cohort studies enrolled patients with nondisplaced (Garden I and Garden II) femoral neck fractures were included. Two investigators independently extracted data and the other two assessed the methodological quality. Data were analyzed using Review Manager software. We analyzed 13 cohort trials with a pooled sample of 4818 patients, with posterior tilt ≥ 20° in 698 patients and < 20° in 3578 patients in 11 trials, and posterior tilt ≥ 10° in 483 patients and < 10° in 496 patients in 4 trials. All studies were of high quality based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluation. Treatment failure was reported in 24.4% (170/698) of patients with posterior tilt ≥ 20° and 10.9% (392/3578) of patients with posterior tilt < 20°, indicating that posterior tilt ≥ 20° was significantly associated with a higher risk of treatment failure (Risk ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-4.21). Posterior tilt ≥ 10° was not found to be a risk factor for fixation failure (risk ratio, 1.92; 95% CI 0.76-4.83). Nondisplaced femoral neck fractures with posterior tilt ≥ 20° were associated with an increasing rate of failure when treated with internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Role of length of locking screws &amp; surgeon strength in precision of placing locking screws in In-vitro osteoporotic saw bone model

Locking compression plate technology needs perfect seating of the locking screw head in the corresponding recess in the plate hole for a stable construct. The purpose of this study is to quantify screw-plate angle. In this study, a total of 750 locking screws of different lengths were placed by six residents. The measured angles were compared with Repeated Measures ANOVA method. Significant differences were seen for 40mm, 50mm, 70mm and 80mm screw length (p &amp;#60; 0.05) to assess the deviation of angle in pre-training, post-training and final experiment. The placement of locking screws precisely can help avoid an easily preventable surgical risk factor for fixation failure. The evolution of Locking Compression Plate (LCP) technology has radically changed the practice of fracture fixation. This technology mandates meticulous detail in surgical technique in placing the locking screw. It demands perfect seating of the locking screw head in the corresponding recess in the plate hole. The purpose of this study is to quantify screw-plate angle i.e., off-axis screw trajectory and its change with an increase in the length of screw and strength of the surgeons.Six orthopaedic residents were selected. The surgeons were familiarized with the instrumentation. A total of 750 locking screws of different lengths were placed in a locking plate in osteoporotic saw bone models using a torque measuring screw driver. The deviation was assessed for 150 screws inserted in pre-training, post-training and the final test under the supervision of the senior author. Immediate feedback on the performance and objective proof of precision was given within an hour by measuring the angle of deviation on X-ray using InstaPACS.Collected data was entered in MS Excel sheet. Descriptive statistics were presented in mean ±SD for continuous variables and count with percentage for Categorical variables. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to assess the difference in deviation of angle pre-training, post-training and final experiment with the length of the screw. IBM SPSS 25.0 software was used for data analysis. Surgeon grip strength and torque applied had no significant association with the angle of deviation. The surgeons exceeded 10 Newton meter torque in pretraining. This applied torque decreased after training in the post-training and final experiments. The length of the screw and angle of deviation were found to positively correlate in pre-training and final experiment. In this study, 40 out of 150 (26%) studied screw insertions were off-axis. Most of the deviations (29) were only one degree (19.33%). The remaining 11 were more than 2 degrees (6.67%). The maximum off-axis was 4.3 degrees. Significant differences were seen for 40mm, 50mm, 70mm and 80mm screw length (p &amp;#60; 0.05) in pre-training, post-training and the final experiment. : This study signifies that practice under supervision with immediate and objective feedback is a valuable learning tool. Real time feedback definitely improves the surgical confidence that will result in better patient outcome in placing locking screws. The placement of locking screws precisely can help avoid an easily preventable surgical risk factor for fixation failure.

Finite element study on whether posterior upper wall fracture is a risk factor for the failure of short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of L1 burst fracture

PurposeTo establish the finite element model of T12 and L2 (T12-L2) pedicle screw fixation for severe L1 burst fracture, and quantitatively simulate and analyze the screw stress and vertebral displacement in different degrees of L1 posterior upper wall fracture (PUWF), and evaluate whether PUWF degree is a risk factor for fixation failure. MethodsThe data of 6 healthy volunteers were used to establish a finite element model of T12-L2 pedicle screw fixation for type A severe burst fractures. The stress and displacement of the conventional and Schanz pedicle screws for the different degrees of PUWF (including the anterior upper wall of the vertebral canal and the bipedicle) were evaluated. ResultsThe maximum stress and L1 displacement of conventional and Schanz pedicle screws were positively correlated with the severity of the PUWF (P<0.05). During anterior flexion, the maximum stress of conventional pedicle screws for 70% type I were 538.3±59.75MPa and the maximum stress of Schanz pedicle screws for 90% type Ⅱ, 90% type Ⅲ and 70% type IV fractures were close to the fatigue threshold. The maximum stress during anterior flexion were significantly higher than those during posterior extension, bending and rotation (P<0.05). ConclusionThe posterior upper wall fracture of vertebral body (VB) of type A burst fracture is not an independent risk factor for the failure of short-segment pedicle screw fixation (SSPSF). Anterior flexion of type A fractures combined with severe PUWF of VB was a risk factor for the failure of SSPSF.

Influence de la taille du canal fémoral proximal sur la réduction des fractures intertrochantériennes avec clou céphalomédullaire

BackgroundMalalignment is the most important risk factor for fixation failure after intertrochanteric fracture treated with a cephalomedullay nail (CMN). Malalignment continues to occur despite advances in surgical techniques. HypothesisWe hypothesized that small femur canal size causes intra-operative reduction loss during cephalomedullary nail insertion. MethodsA retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2017. Patients with acute intertrochanteric fracture implanted with the same sized CMN (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA, diameter: 10mm, length: 170mm, degree 130) were included. Evaluated radiographic parameters included femoral canal size, corrected neck-shaft angle, and calcar reduction. ResultsThe study totally included and analyzed the data from 108 patients. Patients with smaller femoral canal size tended to have increased calcar distance according to Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis (r(106)=−0.805, p<0.001). Patients with calcar malreduction had higher corrected neck-shaft angle postoperatively. This observed correction tended to be lost during follow up. ConclusionsSmall femoral canal size resulted in poorer reduction quality. Reduction loss during nail insertion may be due to the whole proximal fragment instead of the superolateral femoral neck. Reaming the isthmus before nail insertion or choosing a smaller sized CMN is indicated in this patient population to prevent intra- or postoperative loss of reduction. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective study.

The influence of proximal femur canal size on reduction of intertrochanteric fracture with cephalomedullary nail

BackgroundMalalignment is the most important risk factor for fixation failure after intertrochanteric fracture treated with a cephalomedullay nail (CMN). Malalignment continues to occur despite advances in surgical techniques. HypothesisWe hypothesized that small femur canal size causes intra-operative reduction loss during cephalomedullary nail insertion. MethodsA retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2017. Patients with acute intertrochanteric fracture implanted with the same sized CMN (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA, diameter: 10mm, length: 170mm, degree 130) were included. Evaluated radiographic parameters included femoral canal size, corrected neck-shaft angle, and calcar reduction. ResultsThe study totally included and analyzed the data from 108 patients. Patients with smaller femoral canal size tended to have increased calcar distance according to Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis (r(106)=−0.805, p<0.001). Patients with calcar mal-reduction had higher corrected neck-shaft angle post-operatively. This observed correction tended to be lost during follow up. ConclusionsSmall femoral canal size resulted in poorer reduction quality. Reduction loss during nail insertion may be due to the whole proximal fragment instead of the superolateral femoral neck. Reaming the isthmus before nail insertion or choosing a smaller sized CMN is indicated in this patient population to prevent intra- or post-operative loss of reduction. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective study.

Anterior positioning screw in proximal femoral plating restricts posterior tilt of retroverted femoral neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPreoperative posterior tilt is a risk factor for fixation failure in femoral neck fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the configuration of anterior positioning screw in proximal femoral plating in the treatment of retroverted femoral neck fractures in terms of resisting posterior tilt.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with retroverted femoral neck fractures who were fixed by proximal femoral plating from January 2014 to August 2019. All patients were divided into two groups according to screw configuration: anterior long-threaded screw (ALTS, n = 36) and normally short-threaded screws (NTS, n = 46). Baseline characteristics were reviewed and radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for developing posterior tilt.ResultsAge, gender, Garden classification, posterior comminution, and reduction quality showed no significant difference between the groups. Increased posterior tilt was lower in the ALTS group (3.2°, 2.1–4.3°) than that in the NTS group (5.3°, 4.2–8.3°) (p < 0.001), and the percentage of people with > 5° of posterior tilt was also lower in the ALTS group (5, 13.9% vs. 24, 52.2%; p < 0.001). Femoral neck shortening (FNS) was lower in the ALTS group (3.1 (2.1–4.7) mm vs. 4.3 (3.1–6.3) mm, p = 0.003), though not statistically significant when using 5 mm as the cut-off value. Harris Hip Score in the ALTS group was higher than that in the NTS group (87.0, 84.0–90.0 vs. 82.0, 76.0–84.5; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications including delayed union, nonunion, and avascular necrosis were comparable between the groups. Multivariable analysis identified posterior comminution (OR 15.9, 95% CI 3.6–70.3, p < 0.001), suboptimal reduction quality (OR 12.0, 95% CI 2.6–56.1, p = 0.002), and NTS configuration (reference: ALTS configuration) (OR 21.9, 95% CI 4.1–116.4, p < 0.001) as risk factors for developing posterior tilt.ConclusionsConfiguration of anterior positioning screw in proximal femoral plating provides better resistance against posterior tilt in the fixation of retroverted femoral neck fractures. Also, posterior comminution, suboptimal reduction, and NTS configuration (reference: ALTS) are risk factors for developing posterior tilt.Trial registrationThe trial registration number was ChiCTR2000039482.

Combined Surgical and Medical Treatment for Vancouver B1 and C Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: A Proposal of a Therapeutic Algorithm While Retaining the Original Stable Stem.

IntroductionThere is lack of consensus regarding best operative fixation strategy for periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around a stable stem. Evidence exists that some patterns of fracture around a stable stem are better treated with revision surgery than with standard fixation. Anyway, a more aggressive surgical procedure together with medical treatment could allow for stem retention, and reduced risk of nonunion/hardware failure, even in these cases.SignificanceThis paper is placed in a broader context of lack of studies on the matter, and its aim is to shed some light on the management of PFFs around a stable stem, when peculiar mechanical and biological aspects are present.ResultsBased on our casuistry in the treatment of nonunions after PFF successfully treated with original stem retention, and on review of Literature about risk factors for fixation failure, an algorithm is proposed that can guide in choosing the ideal surgical technique even for first-time PFFs with a stable stem, without resorting to revision. Mechanical (major and minor) and biological (local and systemic) factors that may influence fracture healing, leading to nonunion and hardware failure, and subsequent need for re-operation, are considered. The proposed surgical technique consists of rigid fixation with absolute stability (using a plate and structural allograft) plus local biological support (structural allograft and autologous bone marrow concentrate over a platelet-rich plasma-based scaffold) at fracture site. Systemic anabolic treatment (Teriparatide) is also administered in the post-operative period.ConclusionMechanical factors are not the only issues to be considered when choosing the surgical approach to PFFs over a stable stem. Systemic and local biological conditions should be taken into account, as well. A therapeutic algorithm is proposed, given the prosthetic stem to be stable, considering mechanical and biological criteria.

Gamma3 nail with U-Blade (RC) lag screw is effective with better surgical outcomes in trochanteric hip fractures

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the surgical outcomes of AO/OTA 31 A1-3 trochanteric fractures treated with the new-generation Gamma3 nail with U-Blade (RC) lag screw and to analyze the risk factors related to fixation failure. A total of 318 consecutive patients who underwent cephalomedullary nailing using Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw for trochanteric hip fractures between September 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The average age was 80 years and most patients (69%) were women. The mean follow-up was 12.2 months with a minimum of 6 months. 309 (97.2%) showed bony union with a mean time to union of 13.5 ± 8.7 weeks. Cut-out occurred in 2 patients (0.6%) and 7 patients showed excessive collapse (≥15 mm) of the proximal fragment. These 9 patients were assigned to the failure group. The presence of a basicervical fracture component and comminution of the anterior cortex on preoperative 3-D CT showed a significant association with fixation failure, including cut-out, although comminution of the anterior cortex was the only independent risk factor for fixation failure on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw showed favorable results for trochanteric hip fractures, with low cut-out rate (0.6%). However, more caution is required in treating trochanteric fractures with a basicervical fracture component and anterior cortex comminution even with this nail.

Loss of the posteromedial support: a risk factor for implant failure after fixation of AO 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures.

Background:The purpose of this study was to analyze cases of AO31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) and to identify the relationship between the loss of the posteromedial support and implant failure.Methods:Three hundred ninety-four patients who underwent operative treatment for ITF from January 2003 to December 2017 were enrolled. Focusing on posteromedial support, the A2 ITFs were divided into two groups, namely, those with (Group A, n = 153) or without (Group B, n = 241) posteromedial support post-operatively, and the failure rates were compared. Based on the final outcomes (failed or not), we allocated all of the patients into two groups: failed (Group C, n = 66) and normal (Group D, n = 328). We separately analyzed each dataset to identify the factors that exhibited statistically significant differences between the groups. In addition, a logistic regression was conducted to identify whether the loss of posteromedial support of A2 ITFs was an independent risk factor for fixation failure. The basic factors were age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, side of affected limb, fixation method (intramedullary or extramedullary), time from injury to operation, blood loss, operative time and length of stay.Results:The failure rate of group B (58, 24.07%) was significantly higher than that of group A (8, 5.23%) (χ2 = 23.814, P < 0.001). Regarding Groups C and D, the comparisons of the fixation method (P = 0.005), operative time (P = 0.001), blood loss (P = 0.002) and length of stay (P = 0.033) showed that the differences were significant. The logistic regression revealed that the loss of posteromedial support was an independent risk factor for implant failure (OR = 5.986, 95% CI: 2.667–13.432) (P < 0.001).Conclusions:For AO31-A2 ITFs, the loss of posteromedial support was an independent risk factor for fixation failure. Therefore, posteromedial wall reconstruction might be necessary for the effective treatment of A2 fractures that lose posteromedial support.

Optimizing Long-Term Outcomes and Avoiding Failure With the Fibula Intramedullary Nail.

To identify risk factors for fixation failure, report patient outcomes, and advise on modifications to the surgical technique for fibula nail stabilization of unstable ankle fractures. Retrospective review. Academic orthopaedic trauma unit. All 342 patients were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected single-center trauma database over a 9-year period. Unstable ankle fractures managed surgically with a fibula nail. The primary short-term outcome was failure, defined as any case that required revision surgery because of an inadequate mechanical construct. The mid-term outcomes included the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire. Twenty failures occurred (6%), of which 7 (2%) were due to device failure and 13 (4%) due to surgeon error. Of the surgeon errors, 8 consisted of inappropriate weight-bearing after syndesmotic diastasis, and 5 were due to inadequate fracture reduction or poor nail placement. Proximal locking screw (PLS) pull-out was the cause of all device failures. Positioning the PLS >20 mm above the plafond significantly increased failure risk (P = 0.003). At a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 8 months-8 years) the median Olerud-Molander Ankle Score and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire were 80 (interquartile range, 45) and 10.94 (interquartile range, 44.00), respectively. Patient outcome was not negatively affected by the requirement for revision surgery. The fibula nail offers secure fixation and good patient-reported outcomes for unstable ankle fractures. Appropriate postoperative management and surgical technique, including careful placement of the PLS, is essential to minimize construct failure risk. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Calcar screws and adequate reduction reduced the risk of fixation failure in proximal humeral fractures treated with a locking plate: 190 patients followed for a mean of 3\xa0years

BackgroundFixation of proximal humeral fractures (PHF) with locking plates has gained popularity over conservative treatment, but surgery may be complicated with infection, non-union, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head and fixation failure. Failure to achieve structural support of the medial column has been suggested to be an important risk factor for fixation failure. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of calcar screws and fracture reduction on the risk of fixation failure and to assess long-term shoulder pain and function.MethodsThis was a single-centre retrospective study of 190 adult PHF patients treated with a locking plate between 2011 and 2014. Reoperations due to fixation failure were the primary outcome. Risk factors for fixation failure were assessed using the Cox regression analysis. Postoperative shoulder pain and function were assessed by the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).ResultsThirty-one of 190 (16%) patients underwent a reoperation: 14 (7%) due to fixation failure, 10 (5%) due to deep infection and 2 (1%) due to AVN. The absence of calcar screws and fixation with residual varus malalignment (head-shaft angle < 120°) both increased the risk of fixation failure with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 8.6 (1.9–39.3; p = 0.005) and 4.9 (1.3–17.9; p = 0.02), respectively. The median (interquartile range) OSS was 40 (27–46).ConclusionThe use of calcar screws, as well as the absence of postoperative varus malalignment, significantly reduced the risk of fixation failure. We, therefore, recommend the use of calcar screws and to avoid residual varus malalignment to improve the medial support of proximal humeral fractures treated with a locking plate.

Risk factors of fixation failure in basicervical femoral neck fracture: Which device is optimal for fixation?

BackgroundBasicervical femur neck fracture (FNF) is a rare type of fracture, and is associated with increased risk of fixation failure due to its inherent instability. The purpose of this study was (1) to investigate the incidence of fixation failure and (2) to determine risk factors for fixation failure in basicervical FNF after internal fixation. MethodsTo identify basicervical FNF with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, we retrospectively reviewed records of 3217 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery from May 2003 to March 2016. Among the identified 77 patients with basicervical FNF, 69 patients were followed up for at least 12 months. We evaluated the rate of collapse of fracture site and reoperation due to fixation failure. We performed a multivariable analysis to determine risk factors associated with fracture site collapse and fixation failure. ResultsAmong the 69 patients with basicervical FNF, 17 (24.6%) showed collapse of fracture site, and 6 (8.6%) underwent conversion to arthroplasty because of fixation failure. In the multivariable analysis, use of extramedullary plating with a sliding hip screw was an independent significant risk factor for both collapse of fracture site (odds ratio 6.84; 95% confidence interval 1.91–24.5, p = 0.003) and fixation failure (odds ratio 12.2; 95% confidence interval 1.08–137.7, p = 0.042). ConclusionsBasicervical FNF treated with extramedullary plate with a sliding hip screw is more likely to fail than that treated with intramedullary nail with a helical blade. Our results suggested that intramedullary nail with a helical blade is more recommended for basicervical FNF compared with extramedullary plate with a sliding hip screw. Level of evidenceIII, Retrospective cohort study.

Early fixation failure in displaced femoral neck fractures.

A study of 76 displaced femoral neck fractures treated by reduction and Knowles pins or AO (ASIF) cancellous bone screws was carried out. Fixation failure within 3 months occurred in 17 cases (22%). Advanced age, inaccurate reduction, a poor mental state of the patient, the number of Knowles pins used, and the preinjury functional ability of the patient are significant risk factors for fixation failure. Neurological disease, the type of fracture according to Garden, delay before operation, and the method of fixation are not significantly related to fixation failure.