Aims. Patients with A1 and A2 trochanteric hip fractures represent a substantial proportion of trauma caseload, and national guidelines recommend that sliding hip screws (SHS) should be used for these injuries. Despite this, intramedullary nails (IMNs) are routinely implanted in many hospitals, at extra cost and with unproven patient outcome benefit. We have used data from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) to examine the use of SHS and IMN for A1 and A2 hip fractures at a national level, and to define the cost implications of management decisions that run counter to national guidelines. Methods. We used the NHFD to identify all operations for fixation of trochanteric fractures in England and Wales between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. A uniform price band from each of three hip fracture implant manufacturers was used to set cost implications alongside variation in implant use. Results. We identified 18,156 A1 and A2 trochanteric hip fractures in 162 centres. Of these, 13,483 (74.3%) underwent SHS fixation, 2,352 (13.0%) were managed with short IMN, and 2,321 (12.8%) were managed with long IMN. Total cost of IMN added up to £1.89 million in 2021, and the clinical justification for this is unclear since rates of IMN use varied from 0% to 97% in different centres. Conclusion. Most trochanteric hip fractures are managed with SHS, in keeping with national guidelines. There is considerable variance between hospitals for implant choice, despite the lack of evidence for clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of more expensive nailing systems. This suggests either a lack of awareness of national guidelines or a choice not to follow them. We encourage provider units to reassess their practice if outwith the national norm. Funding bodies should examine implant use closely in this population to prevent resource waste at a time of considerable health austerity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):741–745

Appropriate surgical management of hip fractures has major clinical and economic consequences. Recently IMN use has increased compared to SHS constructs, despite no clear evidence demonstrating superiority of outcome. We therefore set out to provide further evidence about the clinical and economic implications of implant choice when considering hip fracture fixation strategies. A retrospective cohort study using Scottish hip fracture audit (SHFA) data was performed for the period 2016–2022. Patients ≥50 with a hip fracture and treated with IMN or SHS constructs at Scottish Hospitals were included. Comparative analyses, including adjustment for confounders, were performed utilising Multivariable logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes and Mann-Whitney-U tests for non-parametric data. A sub-group analysis was also performed focusing on AO-A1/A2 configurations which utilised additional regional data. Cost differences in Length of Stay (LOS) were calculated using defined costs from the NHS Scotland Costs book. In all analyses p<0.05 denoted significance. 13638 records were included (72% female). 9867 received a SHS (72%). No significant differences were identified in 30 or 60-day survival (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.05, 95%CI 0.90–1.23; p=0.532), (OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.97–1.24; p=0.138) between SHS and IMN's. There was however a significantly lower early mobilisation rate with IMN vs SHS (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.59–0.70; p<0.001), and lower likelihood of discharge to domicile by day-30 post-admission (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.71–0.84; p<0.001). Acute and overall, LOS were significantly lower for SHS vs IMN (11 vs 12 days and 20 vs 24 days respectively; p<0.001). Findings were similar across a sub-group analysis of 559 AO A1/A2 fracture configurations. Differences in LOS potentially increases costs by £1230 per-patient, irrespective of the higher costs of IMN's v SHS. Appropriate SHS use is associated with early mobilisation, reduced LOS and likely with reduced cost of treatment. Further research exploring potential reasons for the identified differences in early mobilisation are warranted

The lateral wall thickness (LWT) in trochanteric femoral fractures is a known predictive factor for postoperative fracture stability. Currently, the AO/OTA classification uses a patient non-specific measure to assess the absolute LWT (aLWT) and distinguish stable A1.3 from unstable A2.1 fractures based on a threshold of 20.5 mm. This approach potentially results in interpatient deviations due to different bone morphologies and consequently variations in fracture stability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore whether a patient-specific measure for assessment of the relative LWT (rLWT) results in a more precise threshold for prediction of unstable fractures. Part 1 of the study evaluated 146 pelvic radiographs to assess left-right symmetry with regard to caput-collum-angle (CCD) and total trochanteric thickness (TTT), and used the results to establish the rLWT measurement technique. Part 2 reevaluated 202 patients from a previous study cohort to analyze their rLWT versus aLWT for optimization purposes. Findings in Part 1 demonstrated a bilateral symmetry of the femur regarding both CCD and TTT (p ≥ 0.827) allowing to mirror bone's morphology and geometry from the contralateral intact to the fractured femur. Outcomes in Part 2 resulted in an increased accuracy for the new determined rLWT threshold (50.5%) versus the standard 20.5 mm aLWT threshold, with sensitivity of 83.7% versus 82.7% and specificity 81.3% versus 77.8%, respectively. The novel patient-specific rLWT measure can be based on the contralateral femur anatomy and is a more accurate predictor of a secondary lateral wall fracture in comparison to the conventional aLWT. This study established the threshold of 50.5% rLWT as a reference value for prediction of fracture stability and selection of an appropriate implant for fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures

Objectives. Distal humerus fractures in elderly population are often comminuted and presents multiple challenges. When managed with fixation the results are often complicated with stiffness, pain, and reduced function while total elbow replacement is fraught with lifelong restrictions on load bearing which can significantly affect elderly patients who rely assistive devices for ambulation. Elbow hemiarthroplasty however, presents a viable alternative in these cases. This series evaluates the results of the distal humerus hemiarthroplasty in a single centre. Designs and methods. Data was collected retrospectively. Comprehensive case reviews were done to collect demographic, intra-operative and post-operative data. Fractures were classified as per AO classification. The primary outcome was functional outcome and range of motion (ROM). The secondary outcomes were complications and patient satisfaction. Results. 22 cases were included in this study from 2016 – 2023 majority being females (n=18). Mean age was 74years (SD −11.2). Majority fractures were AO type C3 (n=15) with two A2 type fractures managed for non-union. Pre-existing bone on bone arthritis was present in 3 cases and CT scan was done for 12 patients to assess fracture configuration. Excluding those treated for non- union the median time between fracture and surgery was 8.5 days. Follow-up of more than 6 months was available for 16 patients with median follow-up of 18 months. ROM was available for 17 patients with 13 (50%) patients having functional ROM. No patients had full extension and there was a mean lag of 20. 0. Mean flexion was 118.2. 0. Nearly 2/3. rd. patients (73%- n=16) were satisfied with the surgery with no problems in activity of daily living. Complications seen were ulnar neuropathy (n=3), heterotopic ossification(n=2) and periprosthetic fracture (n=1). Conclusion. This single centre study suggests good outcomes following distal humerus hemiarthroplasty. It is a reasonable alternative to fixation and total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures

Purpose. To evaluate outcome after cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasties using a standard(tapered, rectangular) stem for the treatment of above type A2 fractures in elderly patients. Material and methods. We reviewed the records of 37 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty between February 2006 and Feburuary 2010 in our hospital who were followed for more than two years after surgery. The mean patient age was 73.5 years old (range 64∼88 years old). 16 patients were men, and 21 patients were women. We evaluated the results by analyzing operation time, amount of bleeding, recovery of walking ability, complications and radiologic findings. Result. The mean operation time was 75.3 minutes. The average total amount of bleeding was of 755.5 cc. At the last follow-up, 23 patients (62%) had recovered walking ability. Complications included a deep infection in one case, 1 cases of acetabular erosion, 2 cases of greater trochanter non-union. There were no revisions due to prosthesis loosening or another reason. Conclusion. Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a tapered, rectangular stem can be an alternative treatment for type A2 intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients so as to achieve earlier mobilisation

Introduction: Loss of the cervical lordosis is a common finding on the emergency department in patients who have been involved in a car accident as well as in those who have suffered head and neck injury. The difficult circumstances, under which the plain films are usually taken, make the use of CT indispensable. Our study presents the CT findings from the cervical spine in patients with loss of the cervical lordosis. Method-Patients We studied 120 patients from February 2003 to January 2004. Their mean age was 37 years old. Our protocol included the lateral-AP view, while in the absence of findings, except loss of cervical lordosis, from the plain films, the patients underwent spiral CT within 24 h. Results: Fractures of the cervical spine were found in 7 patients (5,8%). In 5 of them these involved the A1–A2 level. In two patients fractures of the occipital condyles were found. One A7 fracture coexisted with an A2 fracture. No patient had neurological symptoms. Conclusions: The complete investigation of the cervical spine at the emergency department is often quite difficult. The possible underlying injuries can be potentially life threatening. The percentage of positive findings in our study is quite high to justify the routine use of spiral CT for the detailed investigation of such patients

INTRODUCTION. Short femoral nail is the most popular instrumentation for femoral trochanteric fractures. PFNA is in widely use and good results are reported. In these papers, fracture classification and evaluation of surgical results were based on plain X-ray. However, some cases of delayed union, non-union, and blade cut out showed no critical problems in immediate postoperative X-ray. Cause of these complications was not able to solve in X-ray analysis. CT scan provides more information about fracture pattern and position of nail and blade. CT analysis is likely to solve the cause of these complications. MATERIALS & METHODS. 20 cases of 36 femoral trochanteric fractures treated with PFNA-II were evaluated by CT scan (pre and post surgery). Four males and 16 females, and average age at surgery was 80.5 (65–100). Eleven cases were A1 fracture and 9 cases were A2 fracture in AO classification. Nail insertion hole was made by custom made Hollow Reamer. Fracture classification with 3D-CT (Nakano's classification), position of nail insertion hole (relationship between neck or head), and postoperative evaluation with 3D-CT insertion part of nail and blade were investigated. RESULTS. Nakano classified femoral trochanteric fracture into 7 types in 3D-CT. Two subtype in 2 part fracture, 4 subtype in 3 part fracture and 4part fracture. Seven cases were two part fracture, 11 were three part, and 2 were four part in our series. Five cases of 11 in 3 part fracture was considered unstable type. Nail insertion hole of six cases was made posteriory to the connecting line between neck center and head center. Fracture line of greater trochnater in lateral wall opened in 4 cases because of nail insertion. DISCUSSION. Femoral trochanteric fracture was classified by Evans classification or AO classification. However, it is very difficult to classify the fracture by plain X-P. Classification with 3D-CT is very usefull to distinguish which the fracture is stable or unstable. CT analysis will solve the postoperative complications in stable type in X-P classification

Aim: Unstable lateral fractures of the proximal femur (type A2 and A3 of AO classiþcation) present a controversial problem for surgical treatment, due to the difþculty to achieve an adequate mechanically stable bone-device system, so to allow an early weight-bearing. To improve the stability of bone-device complex, a trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) has been introduced. The properties of TSP is to avoid shaft medialization in the postoperative. The aim of our study was report results of surgical treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures using a dynamic hip screws in association with TSP. Methods: From January 2000 to March 2002, 51 patients affected by this kind of fractures (type A2 of the AO classiþcation 37 cases and type A3 14 cases) were treated with the association of dynamic hip screw and trochanteric stabilizing plate. Results: The average time that patients spent in the hospital was 7.8 days for the group A2,2, 8.5 days for the group A2,3, 9.9 days for A3,1 and 10.3 days for A3,2. The average healing time was 6 weeks for A2 fractures and 7.2 weeks for the A3. According to the HSS at 6 months for the group A2,2 the average score was 85,5 for the group A2,3 was 81,7 for the group A3,1 was 74,4 and for the group A3,2 was 70,1. The main postoperative complications were 3 superþcial infection of surgical wound, 3 deep vein trombosis and 1 pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: Our series show that this device, although it interferes with trochanteric structures, is a real aid for the dynamic hip screw system in the treatment of unstable lateral fractures of proximal femur due to the possibility of stabilizing the great trochanter and the lateral cortex in order to avoid the medialization forces of the femoral shaft

Our purpose is to use radiographs to compare callus formation with two types of intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures: reamed interlocking (IL) and Ender nails. Femoral shaft type A fractures according to AO classification were studied. From 1991 to 1995, 27 patients with 27 fractures were treated with reamed IL nailing and 79 patients with 81 fractures were treated with Ender nailing. IL group included with an average of 22 (range, 16–28) years, and the Ender group included with an average of 28 (range, 15–72) years. Patients had been followed for an average of 1.8 (range, 1–2.8) years after surgery. In all cases of IL group, the femoral canal was reamed. For type A3 fractures, an interlocking screw was inserted only at the distal site. For type A1 and A2 fractures, both proximal and distal locking screws were placed. In the Ender nailing cases, 3 to 5 Ender nails were inserted from medial or lateral side of the supracondylar or intertrochanteric regions of the femur as was dictated by the fracture site. All of these fractures were reduced by a closed technique. The measurement of postoperative callus area was calculated from the maximum cross-sectional area on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Fracture healing was successful in all patients. On the radiograph, the callus for the IL group appeared at a mean of 3.9 weeks after surgery, and at a mean of 2.8 weeks for the Ender group. In the IL and Ender groups, fracture healing was noted at a mean of 3.4 and 2.0 months, respectively. The mean area of callus formation in the IL and Ender nailing was 439.5mm2 and 699.4 mm2, respectively. To compare the two groups by using a Mann-Whitney U test, the significant differences were seen in the callus appearance period (p< 0.05) and in the callus area (p< 0.01). Dynamization at the fracture site is reported to increase external callus formation. Our results indicate that the elasticity of the fixation obtained with Ender nailing promotes callus formation

In a prospective, consecutive study we reviewed the results of 32 supracondylar femoral fractures treated by Smith & Nephew intramedullary supracondylar nailing between January 1996 and October 2002. The mean age of 23 women and nine men was 67 (58 to 89). All fractures were closed. Two patients had associated upper limb fractures. In four cases, fractures occurred around total knee prostheses. Four patients had previously undergone ipsilateral total hip replacement or had had a sliding hip screw. On the AO classification the majority of fractures were type-33A1 and A2; seven fractures were classified as C1 and C2. The patients were placed in the supine position on a radiolucent operating table with the knee in 30° of flexion. Postoperatively a hinged knee brace was applied and worn until union. Supported, progressive knee movement was introduced from day one. Partial weight-bearing was permitted as soon as pain subsided and continued until there were radiological signs of union. Within three to six months all but two fractures united. These united after prolonged bracing. There was no sepsis or fixation failure. A functional range of knee movement was observed in all patients. Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a safe and successful method of management of supracondylar femoral fractures in the elderly and offers a minimally invasive alternative

Aims: The pourpose of this study is to review a series of A2 intertrochanteric fractures in old, obese osteoporotic patients treated by total hip arthroplasty. Methods: 52 patients with A2 intertrochanteric fracture aged ≥ 75 years, mentally healthy, with BMD lower than 2.5 T score and Body Mass Index ≥30 were selected. They were 40 female and 12 males, aged 82±5 years with Body Mass Index of 32±2. Through a Hardinge approach to the hip, the femoral head was removed and a cemented cup and stem were implanted. Then the greater trochanter fragments were fixed by cerclage. The lesser trochanter fragment was not fixed. Medius gluteus muscle fibers were sutured to the greater trochanter and to the vastus lateralis muscle. All patients were allowed weight bearing as soon as possible after surgery. Results: No surgical complications were observed. Average Harris Hip Score at 1 month was 63±9 at 3 months 77±6 and at 1 year 78±7, at 5 years follow up 76±14 in the 24 patients still alive. None of the other died for causes related to the interthrocanteric fracture. Average return to normal daily activity time was 27±5 days. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty is a safe procedure for treatment of old, obese osteoporotic patients affected by A2 intertro-chanteric fractures. In fact, no failure occurred in any of the patients allowed unrestricted weight bearing from the first day after surgery. Moreover, they could return to normal daily activity in less than 5 weeks

Objectives

The Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) is commonly used to treat trochanteric hip fractures. Fixation failure is a devastating complication requiring complex revision surgery. One mode of fixation failure is lag screw cut-out which is greatest in unstable fracture patterns and when the tip-apex distance of the lag screw is > 25 mm. The X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System (X-Bolt Orthopaedics, Dublin, Ireland) is a new device which aims to reduce this risk of cut-out. However, some surgeons have reported difficulty minimising the tip-apex distance with subsequent concerns that this may lead to an increased risk of cut-out.

Objectives

There are various pin-in-plaster methods for treating fractures of the distal radius. The purpose of this study is to introduce a modified technique of ‘pin in plaster’.