ObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical properties between the proximal femoral locking plate and Gamma3 for fixing stable intertrochanteric fracture so as to provide a theoretical basis for selecting internal fixation in the clinical application. MethodsFive pairs of antiseptic femur specimens were selected. Specimens of each pair of matching were randomly divided into groups A and B (n=5). All specimens were made the intertrochanteric fracture of 31A1.1 type according to AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification. Fracture was fixed with Gamma3 in group A and with proximal femoral locking plate in group B. The axial compression, destruction, and torsion tests were carried out on the mechanical testing machine. ResultsAxial compression test:The load-displacement curve of groups A and B was basically a straight line; axial stiffness of groups A and B was (621.00±36.48) N/mm and (542.55±46.94) N/mm respectively, showing significant difference (t=3.648, P=0.036). Destruction test:The maximum yield load of groups A and B was (4 394.82±450.37) N and (2 987.54±112.14) N respectively, showing significant difference (t=5.433, P=0.032). After loading maximum yield load, femoral fracture occurred again, and internal fixation and bone interface loosening were observed in group A; bending and breaking of proximal locking screw for internal fixation were found in group B, but loosening of internal fixation and bone interface was more obvious in group A than in group B. Torsion test:The torque of specimens in 2 groups increased with the increase of torsion angle (P < 0.05), the torque corresponding to the torsion angle in group B was larger than that in group A, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The torsional stiffness of groups A and B was (1.78±0.16) N·mm/deg and (2.01±0.08) N·mm/deg respectively, showing no significant difference (t=-3.833, P=0.162). ConclusionProximal femoral locking plate and Gamma3 in the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fracture have good biomechanical properties, which can meet the requirements of minimal invasion, strong internal fixation, and early activity.
Objective To explore the effects of various kinds of internal fixations on unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Methods From January 2000 to December 2004,88 cases of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated. There were 52 males and 36 females (aged 19-86 years). Twenty-two cases were caused by fall from height, 36 by motor vehicle accident and 20 by fall and 10 by tumble. They were divided into 4 groups according to 4 kinds of internal fixations: dynamic hip screw(DHS,group A, n=42), anatomical proximal femur bone plate (group B, n=23), proximal femoral nail（PFN，group C, n=8）and dynamic condylar screw (DCS, group D, n=15). According to the modified Evan’s classification, fractures were all unstable type and were classified as follow types: group A (15 type Ⅲ, 8 type Ⅳ and 19 type Ⅴ); group B (12 type Ⅲ, 5 type Ⅳ and 6 type Ⅴ); group C (3 type Ⅲ,2 type Ⅳ and 3 type Ⅴ); and group D (10 type Ⅲ,3 type Ⅳ and 2 type Ⅴ). The data of operative time, intra-operative blood loss, intraoperative complications, fluoroscopy exposures, clinical healing time of fracture, post-operative restored function and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed statistically using the SPSS 12.0 software package.Results All patients were followed up for 12-48 month (18 months on average). All patients achieved clinical healing. Coxa varus occurred in 3 cases of group A, in 1 case ofgroup C and in 3 cases of group D . The differences were of no statistical significance in operative time and postoperative complications between 4 groups (P＞0.05). The difference was of statistical significance in the blood loss between groups A,B and groups C,D (P＜0.05) but no statistical significance between group C and group D (P＞0.05). The difference was of statistical significance in the fluoroscopy exposures, clinical healing time of fracture and postoperative complications between group B and the other groups (P＜0.05). The difference was of statistical significance in the postoperative restored functions between group D and theother groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion The anatomical proximal femur bone plate is a useful device in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture. The operative manipulation is simple and the hip functions recover well.
Objective To introduce a novel comprehensive classification for femoral intertrochanteric fractures, and to accommodate the clinical requirement for the world-wide outbreak of geriatric hip fractures and surgical operations. Methods On the basis of reviewing the history of classification of femoral intertrochanteric fractures and analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification in different periods, combined with the current situation of extensive preoperative CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction and widespread use of intramedullary nail fixation in China, the “Elderly Hip Fracture” Research Group of the Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medical Association proposed a novel comprehensive classification for femoral intertrochanteric fractures, focusing on the structure of fracture stability reconstruction during internal fixation. Results The novel comprehensive classification of femoral intertrochanteric fractures incorporates multiple indicators of fracture classification, including the orientation of the fracture line, the degree of fracture fragmentation, the lesser trochanteric bone fragment and its distal extension length (>2 cm), the posterior coronal bone fragment and its anterior extension width (involving the lateral cortex of the head and neck implant entry point), transverse fracture of the lateral and anterior wall and its relationship with the implant entry point in the head and neck, and whether the cortex of the anteromedial inferior corner can be directly reduced to contact, etc. The femoral intertrochanteric fractures are divided into 4 types (type A1 is simple two-part fractures, type A2 is characterized by lesser trochanter fragment and posterior coronal fractures, type A3 is reverse obliquity and transverse fractures, type A4 is medial comminution which lacks anteromedial cortex transmission of compression force), each of which is subdivided into 4 subtypes and further subdivide into finer subgroups. In a review of 550 trochanteric hip fracture cases by three-dimensional CT, type A1 accounted for 20.0%, type A2 for 62.5%, type A3 for 15.5%, and type A4 for 2.0%, respectively. For subtypes, A2.2 is with a “banana-like” posterior coronal fragment, A2.4 is with distal cortex extension >2 cm of the lesser trochanter and anterior cortical expansion of the posterior coronal fragment to the entry portal of head-neck implants, A3.4 is a primary pantrochanteric fracture, and A4.4 is a concomitant ipsilateral segmental fracture of the neck and trochanter region. ConclusionThe novel comprehensive classification of femoral intertrochanteric fractures can describe the morphological characteristics of fractures in more detail, include more rare and complex types, provide more personalized subtype selection, and adapt to the clinical needs of both fractures and surgeries.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture in the elderly by treating with folding top technique and right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy. Methods The clinical data of 74 elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture admitted between February 2016 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 38 cases were treated with folding top technique combined with right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy and intramedullary nailing fixation (study group), and 36 cases were treated with limited open reduction combined with other reduction methods and intramedullary nailing fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups, such as age, gender, cause of injury, affected side and classification of fractures, complicated medical diseases, and time from injury to operation (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture reduction time, fracture healing time, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Baumgaertner et al. and Chang et al. fracture reduction standards. ResultsPatients in both groups were followed up 10-14 months, with an average of 12 months. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). At 2 days after operation, according to the fracture reduction standards of Baumgaertner et al. and CHANG Shimin et al., the quality of fracture reduction in the study group was better than that in the control group, and the fracture reduction time in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, with significant differences (P<0.05). After operation, the fractures of the two groups all healed, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as incision infection, internal fixation failure, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, intramedullary nail breakage, spiral blade cutting, or hip varus in the two groups, except for 2 cases of coxa vara in the control group. Conclusion For the irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture, using folding top technique combined with right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy can obviously shorten the operation time, reduce the intraoperative blood loss, and improve the quality of fracture reduction.
Objective To evaluate effectiveness of proximal femur bionic nail (PFBN) in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly compared to the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 48 geriatric patients with intertrochanteric fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2020 and December 2022. Among them, 24 cases were treated with PFBN fixation after fracture reduction (PFBN group), and 24 cases were treated with PFNA fixation (PFNA group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, cause of injury, side and type of fracture, time from injury to operation, and preoperative mobility score, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Alzheimer’s disease degree scoring, self-care ability score, osteoporosis degree (T value), and combined medical diseases between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of blood transfusions, transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, occurrence of complications, weight-bearing time after operation, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, walking ability score, mobility score, self-care ability score were recorded and compared between the two groups. And the radiographic assessment of fracture reduction quality and postoperative stability, and fracture healing time were recorded. ResultsThe operations in both groups were successfully completed. All patients were followed up 6-15 months with an average time of 9.8 months in PFBN group and 9.6 months in PFNA group. The operation time was significantly longer in PFBN group than in PFNA group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, number of blood transfusions, transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, change in activity ability score, and change in self-care ability score between the two groups (P>0.05). The weight-bearing time after operation was significantly shorter in PFBN group than in PFNA group (P<0.05), and the postoperative VAS score and walking ability score were significantly better in PFBN group than in PFNA group (P<0.05). Radiographic assessment showed no significant difference in fracture reduction scores and postoperative stability scores between the two groups (P>0.05). All fractures healed and there was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly lower in PFBN group (16.7%, 4/24) than in PFNA group (45.8%, 11/24) (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with PFNA, PFBN in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures can effectively relieve postoperative pain, shorten bed time, reduce the risk of complications, and facilitate the recovery of patients’ hip joint function and walking ability.
Objective To investigate the difference in the effectiveness between proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and proximal femoral locking compression plate (PFLCP) for intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients combined with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction. Methods The clinical data of 67 cases of intertrochanteric femoral fractures combined with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction between October 2013 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 cases were treated with PFNA internal fixation (PFNA group), and 35 cases were treated with PFLCP internal fixation (PFLCP group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury side, modified Evans classification of fracture, preoperative medical disease, and interval from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bed time, incidence of perioperative complications, time of fracture healing, and hip Harris score at 6 months and 1 year after operation were recorded and compared. Results Both groups were followed up 12-24 months with an average of 14 months. Compared with the PFLCP group, the PFNA group had shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter bed time, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). X-ray films showed that the fractures healed in both groups. The fracture healing time of the PFNA group was shorter than that of the PFLCP group, but the difference was not significant (t=0.743, P=0.460). During hospitalization, there were 3 cases of pulmonary infection, 2 cases of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, and 1 case of urinary tract infection in the PFNA group; and the incidence of perioperative complications was 18.8% (6/32). There were 4 cases of pulmonary infection, 6 cases of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, 1 case of recurrent cerebral infarction, and 1 case of stress ulcer in the PFLCP group; and the incidence of perioperative complications was 34.3% (12/35). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications between 2 groups (χ2=2.053, P=0.152). At 6 months after operation, the Harris total score and individual scores in the PFNA group were higher than those in the PFLCP group (P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, there was no significant difference in the Harris total score and pain score, life ability score, and walking ability score between the PFNA group and the PFLCP group (P>0.05); However, the joint deformity and activity score of the PFNA group was significantly better than that of the PFLCP group (t=4.112, P=0.000). Conclusion For intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients with cerebral infarction hemiplegia, the PFNA has shorter operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter bed time after operation, and better short-term hip function when compared with the PFLCP.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress on the evaluation methods of head-neck nail positions in femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods The literature about the evaluation methods of head-neck nail positions for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in recent years was extensively reviewed, and research progress in the aspects of evaluation methods, clinical applications, and limitations were summarized. ResultsThe position of head-neck nails in femoral intertrochanteric fractures is closely related to postoperative complications of head-neck nail cutting. Currently, the tip-apex distance (TAD) and femoral head zoning are widely used to evaluate the position of head-neck nails. The main opinion in the literature is that the use of TAD and femoral head zoning can effectively reduce the incidence of head-neck nails cutting. Parker’s ratio, as one of the evaluation methods, has been controversial in subsequent studies and has not been widely used in clinical practice. The TAD as referenced to the calcar (CalTAD), which was modified based on TAD, has been gradually accepted by the clinic, but whether it is better than the TAD has not yet been conclusively determined. In recent years, new evaluation methods have been proposed to supplement the previous evaluation methods, such as the tip-neck distance ratio (TNDR) and the standardized TAD (STAD) to avoid the limitations of the TAD and the CalTAD by the volume of the femoral head, and the axis-blade angle (ABA) to supplement the direction of the head-neck nails channel, but at present the clinical application is relatively underutilized, and the validity of the method needs to be further verified. ConclusionCurrently, there are many methods for evaluating the position of head-neck nails in femoral intertrochanteric fractures, TAD<25 mm combined with head-neck nails placed in the middle-middle quadrant or lower-middle quadrant of the femoral head division is currently a highly recognized assessment in the literature, but the optimal assessment is still controversial, and further research needs to be studied.