Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures Research Articles

Is immediate weight bearing safe for subtrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients treated by cephalomedullary nailing? A multicentric study in one hundred eighty-two patients.

Biomechanical superiority of intramedullary nails over extramedullary implants has been proved for subtrochanteric fractures. Nevertheless, postoperative management of these patients has not changed, with high rates of protected weight-bearing after intramedullary nailing. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical complications of immediate postoperative full weigh-bearing for subtrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients treated with a cephalomedullary nail. We performed a retrospective case series study from patients treated with a cephalomedullary nail for subtrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31A.3 and 32A-32C) over a nine-year period. Patients in the immediate full weight-bearing (IFWB) group received orders for immediate full weight bear as tolerated on postoperative 48h. Patients in the non- or limited- weight-bearing (NLWB) group received orders not to full weight bear in the immediate postoperative. There were five (2.7%) cases of implant failure including four cutouts and one nail breakage that needed a reoperation. Of them, one (2.2%) followed the NLWB protocol and four (2.9%) followed the IFWB protocol. Mean length of stay was 7.9days (median 8, range 3-21) in the NLWB group and 10.7days (median 8, range 2-60) in the IWBAT group. The NLWB group observed a 2.8-day shorter postoperative length of stay when compared to the IFWB, but the median remained equal. This study suggests that geriatric patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary nailing and in which a good fracture reduction was achieved, may be able to tolerate immediate postoperative full weight-bearing, not increasing reoperation rates due to implant failure.

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 >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=<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.

Surgical management and outcomes following atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures - results from a matched-pair analysis of the registry for geriatric trauma of the German Trauma Society.

The outcomes of patients with atypical subtrochanteric fractures (ASFs) remain unclear. Data from a large international geriatric trauma registry were analysed to examine the outcome of patients with ASFs compared to patients with typical osteoporotic subtrochanteric fractures (TSFs). Data from the Registry for Geriatric Trauma of the German Trauma Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie [DGU]) (ATR-DGU) were analysed. All patients treated surgically for ASFs or TSFs were included in this analysis. Across both fracture types, a paired matching approach was conducted, where statistical twins were formed based on background characteristics sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and walking ability. In-house mortality and mortality rates at the 120-day follow-up, as well as mobility at 7 and 120 days, the reoperation rate, hospital discharge management, the hospital readmission rate at the 120-day follow-up, health-related quality of life, type of surgical treatment and anti-osteoporotic therapy at 7 and 120 days, were assessed as outcome measures using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Amongst the 1,800 included patients, 1,781 had TSFs and 19 had ASFs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with ASFs were more often treated with closed intramedullary nailing (RR = 3.59, p < 0.001) and had a higher probability of vitamin D supplementation as osteoporosis therapy at 120 days (RR = 0.88, p < 0.002). Patients with ASFs were also more likely to live at home after surgery (RR = 1.43, p < 0.001), and they also tended to continue living at home more often than patients with TSFs (RR = 1.33, p < 0.001). Accordingly, patients with TSFs had a higher relative risk of losing their self-sufficient living status, as indicated by increased rates of patients living at home preoperatively and being discharged to nursing homes (RR = 0.19, p < 0.001) or other hospitals (RR = 0.00, p < 0.001) postoperatively. Surgical treatment of ASFs was marked by more frequent use of closed intramedullary fracture reduction. Furthermore, patients with ASFs were more likely to be discharged home and died significantly less often in the given timeframe. The rate of perioperative complications, as indicated by nonsignificant reoperation rates, as well as patient walking abilities during the follow-up period, remained unaffected.

Extended Use of Proximal Humeral Locking Plates in Pediatric Femur Fractures and Osteotomies

Objective: To assess the extended use of proximal humeral locking plates in paediatric femur fractures and osteotomies. Background: Pediatric fractures and deformity correction pose unique challenges in orthopedic surgery. The utilization of the proximal humerus locking plates (PHLPs) in the pediatric population remains a relatively unexplored area. This manuscript presents a case-based analysis of the extended use of PHLP in pediatric femur fractures and osteotomies. Four distinct cases involving the use of PHLP are discussed, demonstrating its versatility and efficacy in addressing a variety of orthopedic conditions in the pediatric age group. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 4 pediatric patients who underwent surgical interventions utilizing PHLP at our institution. Case 1 involved a 9-year-old girl with a neglected neck of femur fracture, managed with in situ screw fixation and valgus osteotomy and stabilization using a PHLP. Case 2 featured a 10-year-old boy with a distal femur fracture, managed with a PHLP. Case 3 highlighted a 12-year-old girl with genu valgum, who underwent medial closing wedge osteotomy stabilized with a PHLP. Lastly, case 4 presented an 11-year-old boy with a subtrochanteric femur fracture, also managed using a PHLP. Surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: All 4 cases maintained satisfactory stability and alignment at final follow-up. All of them returned to preinjury status within 6 months. Conclusion: The extended use of proximal humeral locking plates in pediatric femur fractures and osteotomies presents a viable option for orthopedic surgeons. These cases illustrate the versatility and positive outcomes associated with PHLP in the pediatric population.

Principles of Minimally Invasive Reduction and Nail Fixation for Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures.

Subtrochanteric femur fractures have a reputation as difficult orthopaedic injuries to treat. Strong deforming forces, including the hip musculature and high physiologic forces, must be counteracted to obtain and maintain reduction. Adding to the complexity is a wide variety of fracture morphologies that must be recognized to execute an appropriate surgical plan. The challenging nature of this injury is demonstrated by nonunion rates of 4% to 5%, but some series have reports of up to 15% and malunion rates of 10% to 15%. Improved outcomes have been shown to be dependent on appropriate reduction and stable fixation, which can be achieved with less surgical insult. The treating surgeon must have a thorough understanding of the injury characteristics and reduction techniques to appropriately execute minimally invasive techniques for these difficult fractures.

Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures: The Association Between Obesity and Perioperative, Clinical, and Radiographic Outcomes

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between obesity and treatment approaches, perioperative factors, and clinical and radiographic outcomes following subtrochanteric fracture fixation. METHODS: Design: Retrospective Cohort Setting: Academic Medical Center Patient Selection Criteria: Patients operatively treated for an AO/OTA 32Axa, 32Bxa, or 32Cxa subtrochanteric femur fracture. Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Injury characteristics, perioperative parameters, fixation information, postoperative complications, clinical and radiographic outcomes. Univariable analyses were conducted between the obese (BMI &gt; 30 kg/m2) and the non-obese (BMI &lt; 30 kg/m2) cohorts. Regression analyses were performed to assess BMI as a continuous variable RESULTS: Of 230 operatively treated subtrochanteric fracture patients identified, 49 (21%) were obese and 181 (79%) were non-obese. The average age of the obese cohort was 69.6 ± 17.2 years, with 16 (33%) males and 33 (77%) females. The average age of the non-obese cohort was 71.8 ± 19.2 years, with 60 (33%) males and 121 (77%) females. Aside from BMI, there were no significant differences in demographics between the obese and non-obese (age [p=0.465], gender [p=0.948], ASA Score [p=0.739]). Both cohorts demonstrated similar injury characteristics including mechanism of injury, atypical fracture type, and AO/OTA fracture pattern (32A, 32B, 32C). Obese patients underwent more open reduction procedures (59% open obese, 11% open non-obese, p&lt;0.001), a finding further quantified by a 24% increased likelihood of open reduction for every 1 unit increase in BMI (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.2-1.3, p&lt;0.001). There was no difference in average nail diameter, 1 vs 2-screw nail design, or number of locking screws placed. The obese cohort was operated on more frequently on a fracture table (p&lt;0.001) when compared to the non-obese cohort which was operated on more frequently on a flat table (p&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.050) in postoperative complications, mortality/readmission rates, hospital quality measures, fixation failure or time to bone healing. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of subtrochanteric fractures in obese patients is associated with a higher likelihood of surgeons opting for open fracture reduction and the use of different operating room table types, but no difference was observed in postoperative complications, mortality or readmission rates, or healing timeline when compared to non-obese patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparative biomechanical analysis of reconstruction and cephalomedullary nails in the treatment of osteoporotic subtrochanteric fractures

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of two types of intramedullary nails – reconstruction nails (RCN) and cephalomedullary nails (CMN) – each with different proximal fixations, in a model of an osteoporotic subtrochanteric femoral fracture. This study focused on assessing stiffness and load to failure of RCN and CMN nails to provide insight into their clinical applications in osteoporotic fracture treatments. Materials and MethodsTen synthetic osteoporotic femoral models were used to generate a comminuted subtrochanteric fracture model. Five femurs were fixed using an RCN, and the remaining five were fixed using a CMN. The constructs were subjected to axial compression to measure their structural stiffness, load to failure, and failure modes. ResultsThe CMN group demonstrated a slightly higher load to failure (mean, 2250 N) than the RCN group (mean, 2100 N), which was statistically significant (p = 0.008). However, the stiffness in both groups was statistically similar (RCN, 250 N/mm; CMN, 255 N/mm; p = 0.69). Both groups showed a load to failure exceeding 1500 N, a typically exerted load on the femoral head by a 75 kg individual. The failure patterns differed, with CMN failures starting at the nail insertion area and RCN failures starting at the reconstruction screw area. ConclusionThe RCN offers stiffness comparable to that of the CMN; although its load to failure is slightly lower than that of the CMN, it still exceeds the physiological tolerance limit. These findings suggest that the RCN is a viable alternative for treating osteoporotic subtrochanteric fractures.

Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Reduction With Cerclage Fixation in Spiral or Oblique Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Cables and Wires.

To compare the outcomes of a minimally invasive reduction (MIR) technique using a cable and wire in spiral or oblique subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs). Retrospective cohort study. Two University Hospitals. Skeletally mature patients with spiral or oblique SFFs (OTA/AO 32A1 and 32A2) treated with intramedullary nailing and MIR with a cerclage wire passer using either a single-loop cable or cerclage wire or MIR without cable or wire between May 2016 and November 2021 were included. Coronal and sagittal interfragmentary gap, neck-shaft angle, coronal and sagittal angulation, fracture union, time to union, and Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH) at 6 months post operation were compared. A total of 46 patients were included, with 16 each in the cable and wire groups and 14 in the non-wiring group. There were no differences in demographics ( P > 0.05), fracture classification ( P = 0.710), or operative data ( P > 0.05) between the three groups. The cable group showed significantly better coronal ( P = 0.003) and sagittal ( P = 0.003) interfragmentary gap, shorter union time ( P < 0.001), and higher 6-month RUSH score ( P < 0.001) among the three groups. There were no significant differences in outcome measures between the wire and non-wiring groups (all P > 0.05). No mechanical complications or reoperations were observed in all three groups. Minimally invasive reduction using a cable is more effective than wire or non-wiring reduction to improve reduction quality and promote bone union in the SFFs. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Sterile Inflammatory Response and Surgery-Related Trauma in Elderly Patients with Subtrochanteric Fractures.

Sterile inflammation is a natural response of the organism in the absence of microorganisms, which is triggered in correspondence with the degree of tissue damage sustained after a surgical procedure. The objective of this study was to explore the values of postoperative hematological-derived biomarkers in assessing the sterile inflammatory response magnitude related to the invasiveness of the surgical reduction technique used for subtrochanteric fractures (STFs) treatment. A retrospective, observational cohort research was conducted between January 2021 and October 2023 that included a total of 143 patients diagnosed with acute subtrochanteric fractures who underwent long Gamma Nail (LGN) fixation. According to the surgical reduction technique used, they were divided into two groups: group 1, which consisted of those with a closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF); and group 2, which consisted of those with an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Between groups, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in relation to days to surgery, length of hospital stay (LOHS), duration of surgery, postoperative hemoglobin (HGB) levels, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate inflammation systemic index (AISI). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis revealed that all ratios presented a high diagnostic ability (p < 0.0001) with NLR > 6.95 being the most reliable (sensitivity 94.8% and specificity 70.6%). Moreover, the multivariate regression model confirmed that sterile immune response after orthopedic interventions can be assessed in an almost equal and non-dependent manner using these biomarkers. Postoperative NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI ratios are closely correlated to the sterile inflammatory response magnitude, due to the extent of surgical dissection performed during internal fixation procedures of subtrochanteric femur fractures.

Superficial Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Post-Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture

Superficial femoral artery injury due to bone fragment of femoral fracture is often overlooked as it occurs only in rare cases of femoral fractures and the onset of symptoms usually happen weeks or even months later. The deep femoral artery, in fact, is more susceptible to injuries associated with femoral fractures. Moreover, a preexisting calcification lesion of the arterial wall might enhance the chance of such arterial injury, a condition that we noticed in the case we are reporting. We will illustrate a rare case of calcified superficial femoral artery injury complicating subtrochanteric femur fracture.

Subtrochanteric femur nonunion - Chasing the elusive an analysis of two techniques to achieve union: Nail-plate fixation and plate-structural fibula graft fixation

IntroductionThe subtrochanteric region is known for its unique biomechanical properties that contribute to challenges in fracture reduction. To ensure optimal fracture healing, achieving robust mechanical stability is essential. There are very few studies in the literature describing the treatment of subtrochanteric fracture nonunion. PurposeTo analyze the outcomes of two techniques of revision fixation of nonunion in subtrochanteric femur fracture, namely, nail-plate fixation and plate-structural fibula graft fixation. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of subtrochanteric femur nonunion between January 2011 and December 2019. The demographic details, details of the index surgery, details of the revision surgery and the time to final union were collected. The nonunion was divided based on the level of the fracture into high subtrochanteric and low subtrochanteric. Two revision techniques were used: plate-structural fibula graft for high subtrochanteric and nail-plate construct for low subtrochanteric femur fractures ResultsOut of the 54 patients that were included, there was malalignment in 53.70 %, medial comminution in 46.3 %, distraction at the fracture site in 44.4 %, lateral trochanteric wall break in 37.03 % and implant failure in 70.37 % of the patients. There were 20 high subtrochanteric and 34 low subtrochanteric fractures. Union was achieved in 53 patients (98.14 %). The mean LEFS score was 71.4 in the nail-plate group and 66.2 in the plate-structural fibula graft group (p 0.003). ConclusionThe treatment of subtrochanteric femur fracture nonunion can be a daunting task. The goal is to correct the varus and restore the medial support which will prevent the occurrence of collapse and another failure. We were able to achieve this with both the nail-plate and the plate- structural fibula graft revision methods.

Functional outcome of proximal femoral nailing in subtrochanteric fracture of femur in adults

Functional outcome of proximal femoral nailing in subtrochanteric fracture of femur in adults

Failed nonunion subtrochanteric femur fracture managed with uncemented total hip replacement

Abstract Subtrochanteric fracture is a fracture between the lesser trochanter and 5 cm distal to the lesser trochanter. It accounts approximately for 10%–30% of all hip fractures and affects persons more than 60 years of age. Bimodal distribution has greater incidences in 20–40 years of age and persons more than 60 years of age. Deforming forces on the proximal fragment are abduction by the gluteus medius and minimus, flexion by iliopsoas, and external rotation by short external rotators; whereas, deforming forces on the distal fragment are adduction and varus by adductors. Failure of subtrochanteric fracture treatment is frequently associated with unstable fracture patterns, poor bone quality, or suboptimal position of fixation devices. Such complications following treatment failure may result in nonunion, leading to pain or malunion, severe bone defects, infection, articular cartilage damage, and even post-traumatic arthritis hip, which poses a significant challenge in subsequent surgeries. Therefore, in this particular case, we were left with only two options, such as (1) re-osteosynthesis using limb reconstruction surgeries (LRS) and (2) and prosthetic replacement. We opted for uncemented long stem total hip replacement to get diaphyseal hold as it has many advantages over LRS like a high success rate, a better quality of life, improved early mobility, and life-long lasting results. LRS was not opted as a choice of surgery as it has some disadvantages like pin-tract infection, more maintenance and compliance needed, the frame being bulky and cumbersome, and the risk of fracture at the pinhole site. Moreover, in this particular case, bone grafts from all accessible sites were used from previous surgeries. Uncemented long-stem total hip replacement can serve as an efficient salvage procedure in such cases. Post-operatively on follow-up at 2 months, the patient was able to fully bear weight without support. The range of motion at the right hip joint where the patient was able to do flexion 100ʹ, abduction 50ʹ, and adduction 30ʹ. We were able to correct limb length discrepancy by 5 cm (pre-operative discrepancy was 7 cm). Our achievement shows that uncemented long stem total hip replacement is a beneficial and effective procedure for salvaging the failed treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. Such procedures have shown satisfactory functional outcomes, stable fixation, and survival rates for these complex situations.

Functional Outcome of Inter-Trochanteric and Sub-Trochanteric Fracture Femur Treated with Proximal Femur Nail Antirotation-II

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are of great interest all around the world. They are the most often performed fracture type, and the high expense of treatment required following injury has made them a critical health resource concern. A higher predisposition towards Intertrochanteric fracture is observed in females than males due to osteoporosis A substantial demand is placed on the implanted hardware, as the subtrochanteric region of the femur experiences mechanical forces several multiples of the patient’s weight.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the functional result of inter- and sub-trochanteric femur fractures treated with Proximal Femur Nail Antirotation-II. To improve the rotational stability of the proximal fracture fragment, the trochanteric fixation nail (TFN) was designed. To lessen bone tension at the isthmus, the diameter of the distal tip of the nail was lowered. The research was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad. The research was carried out between June 2019 and June 2021. The Department of Ethics of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed to be University Karad, granted the ethics committee permission. There were 60 individuals in the research who had intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femur fractures. After receiving informed written consent in the specified way, all participants were included. In summary, PFN A-II is a stable, biomechanically acceptable implant with a clear advantage over other implants for treating stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures, particularly those in the elderly, and linked with osteoporotic bone. The benefits of the PFN A-II are noticeable with the right surgical approach, with a bare minimum complication rate.

Blocking screw (pin) technique to achieve an acceptable reduction in intramedullary of subtrochanteric femoral fractures: indications, techniques, and clinical outcomes.

Subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with intramedullary nails present biomechanical benefits, early weight-bearing, and reduced soft tissue damage, promoting bone union. However, improper reduction due to muscular forces and fragmented proximal bone increases nonunion risk. This study evaluates the efficacy of the blocking screw technique in preventing malalignment during intramedullary nailing. In cases of subtrochanteric femoral fractures where malalignment, such as varus and anterior angulation, was anticipated during intramedullary nailing, proper reduction was ensured using blocking screw technique on the proximal bone fragment from the coronal or sagittal plane. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 patients (14 males, 11 females; average age 55.12years) who were followed up for more than 1year. The postoperative neck-shaft angle, anterior angulation angle, and limb length discrepancy were compared radiologically with those on the healthy side, and the presence and duration of bone union were measured. The Harris hip score was used for functional evaluation, and complications, including infection, were analyzed. At the final follow-up, primary bone union was achieved in 21/25 patients (84%), with an average bone union time of 21.81weeks (range, 14-42weeks). Of the four nonunions, bone union was achieved in three cases through bone grafting and supplemental plating and in the other case through intramedullary exchange, supplemental plating, and bone grafting. The femoral neck-shaft angle and anterior angulation showed no statistically significant differences compared with the healthy side, with averages of - 1.15° and - 1.4°, respectively. The limb length discrepancy was an average of - 2.4mm. Regarding functional outcomes, the Harris hip score averaged 89.52 points (range 82-94 points). In subtrochanteric femoral fractures, the blocking screw technique effectively prevents malalignment during intramedullary nailing, ensuring not only appropriate reduction but also high bone union rates.

Comparison of effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in femoral subtrochanteric fracture

To compare the effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor (LEAD) and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fracture. The clinical data of 117 patients with subtrochanteric fracture of femur treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation between May 2012 and May 2022 who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. According to the auxiliary reduction tools used during operation, the patients were divided into LEAD group (62 cases with LEAD reduction) and traction table group (55 cases with traction table reduction). There was no significant difference in baseline data, such as gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, fracture Seinsheimer classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, between the two groups ( P>0.05). Total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, closed reduction rate, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, weight-bearing activity time, and incidence of complications, as well as hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), Harris score, and VAS score at 1 month and 6 months after operation and last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. There were 14 cases in the LEAD group from closed reduction to limited open reduction, and 43 cases in the traction table group. The incisions in the LEAD group healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve and vascular injury occurred during operation. In the traction table group, 3 cases had perineal crush injury, which recovered spontaneously in 1 week. The total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, and closed reduction rate in the LEAD group were significantly better than those in the traction table group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction between the two groups ( P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-44 months, with an average of 15.8 months. In the LEAD group, 1 patient had delayed fracture union at 6 months after operation, 1 patient had nonunion at 3 years after operation, and 1 patient had incision sinus pus flow at 10 months after operation. In the traction table group, there was 1 patient with fracture nonunion at 15 months after operation. X-ray films of the other patients in the two groups showed that the internal fixator was fixed firmly without loosening and the fractures healed. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, weight bearing activity time, incidence of complications, and postoperative hip flexion and extension ROM, Harris score, and VAS score at different time points between the two groups ( P>0.05). For femoral subtrochanteric fracture treated by close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, compared with traction table, LEAD assisted fracture reduction can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency, reduce incision length, effectively improve the success rate of closed reduction, and avoid complications related to traction table reduction. It provides a new method for good reduction of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.

Factors Affecting the Second Complete Atypical Femoral Fracture after the First Atypical Fracture

Objectives: Atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is an atypical low-energy subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fracture. Even if bone fusion is achieved in patients with AFF, the risk of AFF in the contralateral femur must be considered. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting complete AFF in the contralateral femur and conservatively treated incomplete AFF. Subject and Methods: Radiographs of 111 femurs in 104 AFF cases were examined, and the femurs were classified as follows: 85 contralateral femurs with complete AFF; 18 contralateral femurs with incomplete AFF; 8 femurs with incomplete AFF without surgical treatment. Various patients’ clinical data were collected, and we investigated the factors affecting the second complete AFF. Results: Complete fractures occurred in 10 (9.7%) of 103 femurs without incomplete AFF at the first visit and in 3 (37.5%) of 8 femurs with incomplete AFF. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that lateral cortical bone thickening and thigh pain were associated with significantly poorer prognoses (p = 0.026 and p = 0.013, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that eldecalcitol usage after AFF onset (p = 0.0094) and previous use of bisphosphonate or denosumab (p = 0.0126) were protective factors for second complete AFF and that the presence of thigh pain (p = 0.0134) was a risk factor for second complete AFF. Conclusions: Eldecalcitol administration after bone union of first AFF may prevent AFF recurrence. In addition, painful incomplete AFF has a high risk of developing a complete fracture.

Is there an alternative to the Delbet-Colonna classification? Introduction and reliability assessment of a new classification system for paediatric femoral neck fractures: preliminary results.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a new classification system for paediatric femoral neck fractures (PFNFs) and to evaluate its reliability. Two hundred and eight unilateral PFNFs (mean patient age: 9.0 ± 4.8years) were included. Based on preoperative radiographs, the new classification system distinguished PFNFs without anterior or posterior translation (Type I), PFNFs with anterior (Type II) or posterior (Type III) translation, PFNFs with a comminuted medial or posterior column (Type IV), and subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs; Type V). Radiographs were evaluated twice with an interval of two weeks by 19 raters with different specialties, experiences and geographical origins. The results were compared with a selection of 50 patient age-matched unilateral PFNFs and SFFs (mean patient age: 9.1 ± 4.9years). These were graded twice by the same graders according to the Delbet-Colonna (D-C) classification. Four radiologists and 15 paediatric orthopaedic surgeons from Europe and Asia graded the radiographs. Fair agreement was found between radiologists (κ = 0.296 ± 0.01) and surgeons (κ = 0.3 ± 0.005) (P = 0.17), although more experienced surgeons performed better than less experienced ones; a similar fair assessment was found for raters from Europe (κ = 0.309 ± 0.021) and Asia (κ = 0.3 ± 0.006) and for type II, III and IV fractures; the κ value in the first evaluation (0.309) was similar to that in the second evaluation (0.298). The overall κ value of the D-C classification subtypes was significantly higher (0.599 ± 0.217) than that of the new classification, 0.326 ± 0.162 (t = 3.190 P = 0.005). The new classification system showed fair reliability relative to the D-C classification. The reliability of the new classification system was not affected by the specialty or geographic origin of the rater or the evaluation round, only by rater experience level. The concordance was worse for PFNFs with anterior or posterior translation or with a comminuted medial or posterior columns.

Atypical Versus Typical Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures: Disparate Patient Profiles, Similar Outcomes.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate differences in demographic features and clinical outcomes between patients who sustained a typical versus atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture. We reviewed the records for a cohort of consecutive patients who had undergone operative treatment of a subtrochanteric femoral fracture. Fractures were classified as either "typical" or "atypical" on the basis of the criteria of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). All patients were treated with a similar surgical algorithm and postoperative protocol. Groups were compared on the basis of demographic features, injury characteristics, operative quality measures, postoperative complications and outcomes, and radiographic time to healing. Comparative analyses were performed to compare the typical and atypical cohorts. Of 220 subtrochanteric fractures, 165 (75.0%) were classified as typical and 55 (25.0%) were classified as atypical. The atypical cohort was predominately female and more likely to have bisphosphonate usage (odds ratio [OR], 7.975; [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.994-15.922]; p < 0.001) and fractures with lower-energy mechanisms (p < 0.001). Patients in the atypical cohort were more likely to be treated with a 10-mm cephalomedullary nail (CMN) (OR, 2.100 [95% CI, 1.119-3.939]; p = 0.020), whereas patients in the typical cohort were treated more frequently with an 11-mm CMN (OR, 0.337 [95% CI, 0.168-0.674]; p = 0.002). There were no differences between the groups in terms of other operative parameters; however, anatomic fracture reduction in neutral lateral alignment was achieved more frequently in the typical cohort (OR, 0.438 [95% CI, 0.220-0.875]; p = 0.018). There were no differences between the groups in terms of hospital quality measures, mortality rates, readmission rates, or complication rates (including implant failure [broken screw or nail] and fracture nonunion) (p = 1.00). Interestingly, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of time to radiographic healing (260.30 ± 187.97 days in the typical group, compared with 246.40 ± 116.33 days in the atypical group) (OR, 0.999 [95% CI, 0.997-1.002]; p = 0.606). Despite differences in terms of demographic and injury characteristics, patients who sustain a subtrochanteric femur fracture can expect similar outcome profiles regardless of fracture type. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.