PIPKIN FRACTURES – CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Currently, the optimal treatment of pipkin fractures remains controversial. To rovide guidance on the management of these challenging injuries, we systematically viewed the available literature on outcomes following presentation with pipkin fracture dislocations and meta analysis was applied where applicable.

Material and Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies on “Pipkin fractures”. Thompson & Epstein scale used as primary outcome measure and Merle’d Aubgine score, AVN, Nerve injuries, Heterotrophic ossification used as secondary outcome measures.

Results: This metaanalysis included 242 cases from 13 studies. Mean age of patients is 41.2 (sex ratio 7:3 male to female). Motor vehicle accidents contributes to 93% of cases, followed by fall from height in 6% cases. Patients were divided in to two groups, one with hip reduction with in 6 hours and second group more than 6 hours. ‘P’ value calculated using CMA software has shown no statistical advantage of reducing hip in less than six hours (p – 0.87). Majority of Type I cases treated by excision, type II cases were treated by ORIF. Type III cases predominantly treated by arthroplasty, where as type IV cases mainly treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Thompson & Epstein results were excellent in 13% of cases, 47% good, 16% fair to satisfactory and 24 % cases reported poor results. Incidence of good results descended from Type I to Type IV, where as incidence of poor results increased. Meta analysis of TE results and surgical approach has not shown any advantage of anterior or posterior approach in producing better TE outcomes. Similarly early time to reduction or surgery also failed to show any statistical advantage over delayed reduction or surgery. Analysis of the outcomes treated by non operative and operative methods in type I cases has shown operative methods producing less favourable outcomes in type I fractures with a p value of poor outcomes 0.018, showing advantage of non operative methods in type I fractures.

In type II, III & IV cases, no statistically significant advantage is noticed in this respect. Overall incidence of AVN is 11%, highest incidence is reported in type III fractures.Highest incidence of Heterotopic ossification is reported in anterior or anterolateral approaches. Incidence of nerve injury in Pipkin fractures reported as 13%.

Conclusions: Pipkin fracture is a high energy complex trauma resulting in significant morbidity.

Incidence of poor results increases from type I to type IV cases. Statistically no significant difference is added on to anterior or posterior approaches or timing of reduction within or after six hours in the management of these fractures based on TE results. This meta analysis proving type of fracture is the most important prognostic factor influencing the outcome.