Sliding Screw System Research Articles

Serial change of sliding in intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with sliding screw system.

We investigated the serial change of the extent of sliding of the compression screw in 42 intertrochanteric femoral fractures fixed with a sliding screw system. Neither age, gender, bone density, fracture type nor quality of fracture reduction could accurately predict healing time. There was a significant correlation between the extent of sliding at union and healing time (correlation coefficient r = 0.505). The average healing time in group B (the extent of sliding at union of 8 mm or greater) was 13.8 weeks postoperatively, and that in group A (the extent of sliding at union of less than 8 mm) was 8.9 weeks. There was a significant difference in the average healing time between groups A and B (P = 0.0004). The extent of sliding at union had a influence on the healing time. The phenomenon of sliding progressed mainly during the first 2 weeks postoperatively. There was a significant positive correlation between the extent of sliding at union and the extent of sliding at 2 weeks postoperatively (r = 0.977). An assessment using the extent of sliding at 2 weeks postoperatively can accurately predict the extent of sliding at union and the healing time. It is important to examine the phenomenon of sliding during the early postoperative course, especially until 2 weeks postoperatively, in order to predict fracture repair.

Intertrochanteric fractures: current concepts of an old subject.

The pre- or intraoperative classification of intertrochanteric fractures into stable and unstable is based on the status of the bone in the critical calcar femorale area and the obliquity of the fracture line. Modern management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures may include displacement at the fracture site, osteotomy, and fixation with a sliding screw system. These procedures produce postoperative films of an "unusual" appearance. The radiologist must understand the principles of classification and management to properly interpret the pre- and postoperative films.