Objective To identify an evidence-based treatment for an elderly patient with intertrochanteric fractures. Methods Clinical problems were presented on the basis of the patient’s conditions, and evidence was collected from the NGC (2000 to 2009), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), TRIP Database, PubMed (1966 to 2009) and CBM (1978 to 2009). Treating strategies were formulated in terms of the three-combination principle (best evidence, the doctor’s professional knowledge and the patient’s desire). Results Three guidelines and sixteen studies were included. The current evidence indicated that surgery was the preferred solution to intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly patient. The sliding hip screw (SHS) appeared superior to others. There was insufficient evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in orthopedic surgeries. Early surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay and improved mortality. Antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced infections. In order to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, pharmacological prophylaxis should be carried out when the patient was admitted to hospital and be assisted with mechanical prophylaxis after surgery. Nutritional supplementation was conducive to the recovery of the patient. Rehabilitation ought to be performed as soon as possible. Considering the patient’s condition, the treatment option was established according to the available evidence and guidelines. Short-term follow-up showed a good outcome. Conclusion Through the evidence-based method, an individual treatment plan could obviously improve the treatment effect and prognosis.
Forty cases of intertrochanteric fractures of femur were treated with percutaneous nonmetallic external fixator. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years, and the fractures were all united without coxa vara or shirtening deformities. There was no mortality in this series. This method had the advantages ofbeing simple, save time and effort, less traumatic and early ambulation. The design of the apparatus tallied with the biomechanics of the neck and shaft of the femur.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) in the treatment of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Methods Between May 2007 and May 2010, 63 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated, and fractures were fixed with PFNA in 31 patients (PFNA group) and with DHS in 32 patients (DHS group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, disease duration, and fracture type between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All incisions healed by first intention. The incision length, operation time, and blood loss in PFNA group were significantly less than those in DHS group (P lt; 0.05). The averagefollow-up time was 13.6 months in PFNA group and was 13.8 months in DHS group. The fracture heal ing time was (11.80 ± 1.32) weeks in PFNA group and was (12.21 ± 1.26) weeks in DHS group, showing no significant difference (t=1.23, P=0.29). The complication rate was 0 in PFNA group and was 12.5% (4/32) in DHS group, showing no significant difference (P=0.06). After 1 year, Harris hip score of PFNA group (86.55 ± 10.32) was higher than that of DHS group (80.36 ±11.18) (t=2.28, P=0.03). Conclusion There are two surgical methods to treat intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly patient: PFNA and DHS, and each has advantages; for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, PFNA treatment is the first choice.
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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the lateral wall protection skills for aged femoral intertrochanteric fractures fixed with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). MethodsSixty aged patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were treated with PFNA between March 210 and January 2011.According to Evans classification,31 were type Ⅰc,18 were Ⅰd,and 11 were type Ⅱ.Several skills were applied to prevent the breaking of the lateral wall.Post-operative complications,bone union and recovery of hip function were recorded. ResultsThe patients were followed up for 12 to 18 months.All fractures were healed without infection or failure of internal fixation. ConclusionPFNA is a good choice for the clinical treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in aged patients.To obtain better clinical result,the lateral wall must be considered and well protected.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the screw blade position on the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.MethodsA clinical data of 131 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were treated with PFNA internal fixation between January 2010 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. According to the anteroposterior X-ray films, the screw blades were placed in the middle of the femoral neck in 72 patients (group A) and at one-third of the femoral neck in 59 patients (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, bone density, classification of fractures, other medical diseases, and the time between injury and operation. Multiple treatment indexes were analyzed, including complications, hip Harris score, the healing status of fracture, tip-apex distance (TAD), and the height of the tail nail.ResultsAll patients were followed up 11-14 months, with an average of 12.1 months. All incisions healed by first intention with no complications. All fractures healed and no significant difference in bone healing time between the two groups (Z=−0.190, P=0.849). At 6 months after operation, TAD was (2.23±0.07) cm in group A and (2.85±0.12) cm in group B, showing significant difference (t=−47.643, P=0.000); and the height of the tail nail was (1.72±0.14) cm in group A and (0.53±0.26) cm in group B, showing significant difference (t=31.031, P=0.000). According to the Harris score, the hip functions were rated as excellent in 48 cases, good in 15 cases, and poor in 9 cases in group A, while as excellent in 38 cases, good in 16 cases, and poor in 5 cases in group B, with no significant difference between the two groups (Z=−0.075, P=0.941).ConclusionFor the unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly, the PFNA internal fixation with appropriated TAD and the screw blades placed in the middle or at one-third of the femoral neck can obtain good effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of fast track protocol of geriatric intertrochanteric fracture on operative waiting time, operation time, perioperative blood loss, providing data support for clinical therapy.MethodsThe clinical data of 240 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture admitted between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into traditional protocol group (148 cases, group A) and fast track group (92 cases, group B). All patients were treated with closed reduction intramedullary nail (proximal femoral nail antirotation) surgery. There was no significant difference in gender, age, sides, fracture classification, fracture type, complications, the proportion of patients with more than 3 kinds of medical diseases, and the time from injury to admission between the two groups (P>0.05). Analysis index included operative waiting time (hospitalization to operation time), operation time, percentage of operation performing in 48 and 72 hours, percentage of transfusion, changes of hematocrit (Hct) at different stage (admission, operation day, and postoperative 1, 3 days), blood loss by fracture and cephalomedullary nail, intraoperative dominant blood loss, total blood loss in perioperative period were recorded and compared.ResultsThe operative waiting time, operation time, Hct on operation day and postoperative 3 days, blood loss by fracture, transfusion volume, and total blood loss in perioperative period in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P<0.05), and the percentage of operation performing in 48 and 72 hours in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P<0.05). There was no signifcant difference in Hct on admission and postoperative 1 day, intraoperative dominant blood loss, percentage of transfusion, blood loss by cephalomedullary nail between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionFast track can shorten the operative waiting time of geriatric intertrochanteric fracture, reduce the blood loss by fracture, total blood loss in perioperative period, and transfusion volume. Early operation is conducive to improve the anemia status of patients during perioperative period.
Objective To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive dynamic hip screws (MIDHS) in treating aged intertrochanteric fractures. Methods From April 2006 to March 2008, 49 aged patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated with MIDHS. There were 22 males and 27 females, aged 65-78 years (average 70.2 years). Frature was caused by trafficaccident in 7 cases, by fall ing from height in 3 cases, and by injury from fall in 39 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-12 days (average 5.5 days). According to Evans classification, there were 28 cases of types I, II (stable fracture) and 21 cases of types III, IV (unstable fracture). If the Singh index≤3 was defined as osteoporosis, the osteoporotic rate was 71.4% (35/49). All patients were on a radiolucent fracture traction table and their fractures had satisfactory closed reduction. After the guide wire was inserted and reamed under fluoroscopy, the lag screw and side plate were introduced through the small incision. In all unstable fractures, an additional, antirotational and large cancellous bone screw was used cranial to the DHS. Results The average operation time was 65.2 minutes. The average blood loss was 189.3 mL. All patients had satisfactory reduction and 79.6% (39/49) had adequate lag screw positions. The average postoperative hospital ization days was 5.8 days (3-12 days). All incision healed at stage I. There was no postoperative complications. Forty-nine patients were followed up 12 to 30 months (average 19.8 months). Fractures healed within 16 weeks in 47 patients and the average healing time was 13.1 weeks (12-16 weeks). The average Harris scoring was 90.8 (75-95). Implant failure and nonunion occurred in 2 cases, no serious compl ication occurred in other patients. Conclusion The MIDHS is a simple, safe and effective method for treatment of aged intertrochanteric fractures.
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of bipolar long-stem prosthetic replacement on the treatment of comminuted intertrochanteric fracture of hip in the elderly osteoporotic patients. Methods From March 2000 to August 2003, 18 patients who were more than 72 years old with comminuted intertrochanteric fracture were treated with bipolar longstem prosthetic replacement. There were 8 males and 10 females (aged from 72 to 91). Fractured fragments of large trochanter and minor trochanter should be preserved during the operation so that the fragments can be fixed with steel wires and insertion of artificial femoral head.The surgical approach and operative technique, the average course of treatment in hospital, the average time to ambulate with full-weight bearing on the operated limb after the operation, complication, and mortality were observed. Results All patients were followed up 6 to 28 months(16.2 months on average). The average course of stay at hospital was 16 days. The average time to ambulate was 32 days. The incidence of the pain of the hip joint was one-eighteenth, and one patient due to another disease was unable to walk without using twocrutches one month after the surgery. The mortality of the patients was oneeighteenth one year after the surgery. Conclusion Bipolar longstem prosthetic replacement for the treament of comminuted intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly osteoporotic patients proves to be a suitable alternative.Patients have better prognosis, early full-weight bearing, rapid rehabilitation, and fewer complications.
Objective To evaluate the biomechanical properties of proximal femoral medial buttress plate (PFMBP) for fixing the reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures by comparing with proximal femoral locking compression plate (PFLCP) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). Methods Eighteen synthetic femoral bone models (Synbone) were divided into 3 groups (group PFLCP, group PFNA, and group PFMBP), 6 models in each group; an AO 31-A3.1 reverse oblique femoral intertrochanteric fracture was made based on the same criterion. After being fixed and embeded, the axial load testing, torsion testing, and axial load-to-failure testing were performed on each model. The axial displacement of different loads, torque of different torsion angles, and failure load of each model were recorded, and the stiffness of axial load and torsion were calculated. Results The axial stiffness in groups PFLCP, PFNA, and PFMBP were (109.42±30.14), (119.13±29.14), and (162.05±22.05) N/mm respectively, showing significant differences between groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in torque between different torsion angles in the same group, as well as in the torque between groups at the same torsional angle (P<0.05). The torsion stiffness in groups PFLCP, PFNA, and PFMBP were (1.45±0.44), (1.10±0.13), and (1.36±0.32) N·mm/deg respectively; there were significant differences when compared groups PFLCP and PFMBP with group PFNA (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between group PFLCP and group PFMBP (P>0.05). The failure loads of groups PFLCP, PFNA, and PFMBP were (1 408.88± 0.17), (1 696.56±0.52), and (2 154.65±0.10) N respectively, showing significant differences between groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The newly-designed PFMBP is better than PFNA and PFLCP in axial load stiffness and torsion stiffness for fixing reverse oblique intertrochanteric fracture by biomechanical test, indicating that reconstruction of medial stability is a key element for unstable intertrochanteric fracture.