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. Patients and Methods. We measured the tip-apex distance from the intra-operative radiographs of 93 unstable trochanteric hip fractures enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation, WHiTE One trial). Participants were treated with either the sliding hip screw or the X-Bolt dynamic hip plating system. We also recorded the incidence of cut-out in both groups, at a median follow-up time of 17 months. Results. There was a significantly increased tip-apex distance with the use of the X-Bolt (mean difference 3.7mm (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 5.73); SHS mean 17.1 mm, X-Bolt mean 20.8; p = 0.001. However, this was not associated with an increased incidence of cut-out at a median follow-up time of 17 months, with three cut-outs (6%) in the SHS group and 0 (0%) in the X-Bolt group. Conclusion. The X-Bolt is a safe implant with no increased risk for cut-out. Concerns about minimising the tip-apex distance may be justified but do not appear to be clinically important. Cite this article: M. A. Fernandez, A. Aquilina, J. Achten, N. Parsons, M. L. Costa, X. L. Griffin. The tip-apex distance in the X-Bolt dynamic plating system. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–207. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2015-0016.R2

Aims. Proximal femur fractures treatment can involve anterograde nailing with a single or double cephalic screw. An undesirable failure for this fixation is screw cut-out. In a single-screw nail, a tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm has been associated with an increased risk of cut-out. The aim of the study was to examine the role of TAD as a risk factor in a cephalic double-screw nail. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients treated for intertrochanteric femur fracture with a double proximal screw nail (Endovis BA2; EBA2) from January to September 2021. The analyzed variables were age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, fracture type, side, time of surgery, quality of reduction, pre-existing therapy with bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, screw placement in two different views, and TAD. The last follow-up was at 12 months. Logistic regression was used to study the potential factors of screw cut-out, and receiver operating characteristic curve to identify the threshold value. Results. A total of 98 of the 112 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 65 patients were female (66.3%), the mean age was 83.23 years (SD 7.07), and the mean follow-up was 378 days (SD 36). Cut-out was observed in five patients (5.10%). The variables identified by univariate analysis with p < 0.05 were included in the multivariate logistic regression model were screw placement and TAD. The TAD was significant with an odds ratio (OR) 5.03 (p = 0.012) as the screw placement with an OR 4.35 (p = 0.043) in the anteroposterior view, and OR 10.61 (p = 0.037) in the lateral view. The TAD threshold value identified was 29.50 mm. Conclusion. Our study confirmed the risk factors for cut-out in the double-screw nail are comparable to those in the single screw. We found a TAD value of 29.50 mm to be associated with a risk of cut-out in double-screw nails, when good fracture reduction is granted. This value is higher than the one reported with single-screw nails. Therefore, we suggest the role of TAD should be reconsidered in well-reduced fractures treated with double-screw intramedullary nail. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(6):457–463

Pertrochanteric fractures are, with great different from others, the most usual and important surgical fragile fractures in our society. We expose the importance of a possible prediction factor in the good outcome of a pertrochanteric fracture treated with dynamic cephalic screw. Patients and Method: We have done a retrospective study of 100 pertrochanteric fractures treated in Hospital 9 de Octubre with Gamma and Trigen Intertan locking nail. We have collected the type of fracture (depending on its stability), its epidemiology (gender, site, age, cause and concomitant illnesses), the reduction achieved, and the position of the tip of the cephalic screw (using the so called Tip-apex distance and the Cleveland squares). We have also studied possible correlations between the result and both, the reduction and position of the tip. Results: The percentage of reductions were 85% excellent, and 15% good. The average of the tip-apex distance was 15mm of average, and the most frequent position of the cephalic screw into the femoral head was inferior-center. The clinical results were excellent in 90% of patients and good in 7%, with a 3% of follow up lost because of different circumstances. Conclusion: The intraoperative assessment of the reduction achieved with the tip-apex distance, as well as the Cleveland squares, are good prediction factors to help the surgeon to anticipate the real possibilities of an excellent, good, or poor result of the fracture treatment. The clinical situation of the different patients must be taken into account in order to assess correctly the clinical result

Tip-apex distance (TAD) has long been discussed as a metric for determining risk of failure in fixation of peritrochanteric hip fractures. This study seeks to investigate risk factors including TAD for hospital readmission one year after hip fixation surgery. A retrospective review of proximal hip fractures treated with single screw intramedullary devices between 2016 and 2020 was performed at a 327 bed regional medical center. Patients included had a postoperative follow-up of at least twelve months or surgery-related complications developing within that time. 44 of the 67 patients in this study met the inclusion criteria with adequate follow-up post-surgery. The average TAD in our study population was 19.57mm and the average one year readmission rate was 15.9%. 3 out of 6 patients (50%) with a TAD > 25mm were readmitted within one year due to surgery-related complications. In contrast, 3 out of 38 patients (7.9%) with a TAD < 25mm were readmitted within one year due to surgery-related complications (p=0.0254). Individual TAD measurements, averaging 22.05mm in patients readmitted within one year of surgery and 19.18mm in patients not readmitted within one year of surgery were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.2113). Our data indicate a significant improvement in hospital readmission rates up to one year after hip fixation surgery in patients with a TAD < 25mm with a decrease in readmissions of over 40% (50% vs 7.9%). This result builds upon past investigations by extending the follow-up time to one year after surgery and utilizing hospital readmissions as a metric for surgical success. With the well-documented physical and financial costs of hospital readmission after hip surgery, our study highlights a reduction of TAD < 25mm as an effective method of improving patient outcomes and reducing financial costs to patients and medical institutions

Purpose: Purpose of the study is to compare the changing Tip Apex Distance (TAD) and therefore the cut out development risk during fracture healing in two different types of implant. Materials and Methods: 166 patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture were operated with proximal femoral nail between the years 1999 and 2006 in our clinic. 117 patients with avaible radiological data were studied. Group I defined as PFN, had 90 patients. Median age was 74.2 (25–93) years, 44 female and 46 male. Grup II defined as PFN-A had 27 patients. Median age was 75 (33–88) years, 18 females, 9 males. The mean of following time of patients was 48 months (12–84 months). We measured in AP radiograph the tip-apex distance (TAD) both of early postop and fracture healing time. Results: In group I change in TAD was observed in 70 (%77.7) patients. Average TAD change rate was %29 (%4–%230). In group II, change in TAD was observed in 15 (%55.6) patients, and the average TAD change rate was %12 (%5–%40). Among Group I, 3 patients had a revision surgery with cut-out complications (%3.3). Among Group II no patient had cut out complication. Discussion: While cut out was developed in 3 PFN patients, no cut-out was observed in any of PFN-A patients. Among the patients without cut-out development, 77.7 % of PFN patients and 55.6 % of PFN-A were under cut out risk. Average TAD change rate was 29% in PFN Group whereas 12% in PFN-A Group. When TAD change rates are considered, no cut-out was determined in PFN-A Group while its development risk was lower. When we investigate the cut out complication, the 3 cut out complications (%3.3) was seen in PFN. PFN-A group had no cut out complications

A tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm is a strong predictor of screw cut-out in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fracture treated with a dynamic hip screw (DHS). We aim to show you a simple and reliable way to check this. By calculating the sum of the distance from the tip of the screw to the apex of the femoral head on anteroposterior and lateral views the TAD is found. X-rays often have magnification errors and therefore measuring tools in digital x-ray systems will be inaccurate. The original method of calculating the TAD uses the known diameter of the screw to avoid magnification errors. We found that due to the no-cylindrical shape of the screw shaft there is potential of an inaccurate measurement. By using the distance across the highest points of the thread a more accurate TAD can be calculated. The distance across the highest points of the threads in all three of the most commonly used DHSs in the UK is 13 mm. If the measured distance from the tip of the screw to the apex of the femoral head in both the anteroposterior and lateral views is less than the measured distance across of the treaded diameter of the screw then the surgeon knows the TAD is less than 26 mm. This method can be used intraoperatively to check the TAD by looking at the fluoroscopy images in these two views

Intra-operative Tip-Apex Distance (TAD) estimation optimises dynamic hip screw (DHS) placement during hip fracture fixation, reducing risk of cut-out. Thread-width of a standard DHS screw measures approximately 12.5 millimetres. We assessed the effect of introducing screw thread-width as an intra-operative distance reference to surgeons. The null hypothesis was that there were no differences between hip fracture fixation before and after this intervention. Primary outcome measure was TAD. Secondary outcome measures included position of the screw in the femoral head, quality of reduction, cut-out and surgeon accuracy of estimating TAD. 150 intra-operative DHS radiographs were assessed before and after introducing screw thread-width distance reference to surgeons. Mean TAD reduced from 19.37mm in the control group to 16.49mm in the prospective group (p=<0.001). The number of DHS with a TAD > 25mm reduced from 14% to 6%. Screw position on lateral radiographs was significantly improved (p=0.004). There were no significant differences in screw position on antero-posterior radiographs, quality of reduction, or rate of cut-out. Significant improvement in accuracy (p=0.05) and precision (p=0.005) of TAD estimation was demonstrated. Awareness and use of screw-thread width improves estimation and positioning of a DHS screw in the femoral head during fixation of hip fractures

Objectives. Intramedullary fixation is considered the most stable treatment for pertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur and cut-out is one of the most frequent mechanical complications. In order to determine the role of clinical variables and radiological parameters in predicting the risk of this complication, we analysed the data pertaining to a group of patients recruited over the course of six years. Methods. A total of 571 patients were included in this study, which analysed the incidence of cut-out in relation to several clinical variables: age; gender; the AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification system (AO/OTA); type of nail; cervical-diaphyseal angle; surgical wait times; anti-osteoporotic medication; complete post-operative weight bearing; and radiological parameters (namely the lag-screw position with respect to the femoral head, the Cleveland system, the tip-apex distance (TAD), and the calcar-referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD)). Results. The incidence of cut-out across the sample was 5.6%, with a higher incidence in female patients. A significantly higher risk of this complication was correlated with lag-screw tip positioning in the upper part of the femoral head in the anteroposterior radiological view, posterior in the latero-lateral radiological view, and in the Cleveland peripheral zones. The tip-apex distance and the calcar-referenced tip-apex distance were found to be highly significant predictors of the risk of cut-out at cut-offs of 30.7 mm and 37.3 mm, respectively, but the former appeared more reliable than the latter in predicting the occurrence of this complication. Conclusion. The tip-apex distance remains the most accurate predictor of cut-out, which is significantly greater above a cut-off of 30.7 mm. Cite this article: G. Caruso, M. Bonomo, G. Valpiani, G. Salvatori, A. Gildone, V. Lorusso, L. Massari. A six-year retrospective analysis of cut-out risk predictors in cephalomedullary nailing for pertrochanteric fractures: Can the tip-apex distance (TAD) still be considered the best parameter?. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:481–488. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2016-0299.R1

Aims. To evaluate if, for orthopaedic trainees, additional cadaveric simulation training or standard training alone yields superior radiological and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation or hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture. Methods. This was a preliminary, pragmatic, multicentre, parallel group randomized controlled trial in nine secondary and tertiary NHS hospitals in England. Researchers were blinded to group allocation. Overall, 40 trainees in the West Midlands were eligible: 33 agreed to take part and were randomized, five withdrew after randomization, 13 were allocated cadaveric training, and 15 were allocated standard training. The intervention was an additional two-day cadaveric simulation course. The control group received standard on-the-job training. Primary outcome was implant position on the postoperative radiograph: tip-apex distance (mm) (DHS) and leg length discrepancy (mm) (hemiarthroplasty). Secondary clinical outcomes were procedure time, length of hospital stay, acute postoperative complication rate, and 12-month mortality. Procedure-specific secondary outcomes were intraoperative radiation dose (for DHS) and postoperative blood transfusion requirement (hemiarthroplasty). Results. Eight female (29%) and 20 male trainees (71%), mean age 29.4 years, performed 317 DHS operations and 243 hemiarthroplasties during ten months of follow-up. Primary analysis was a random effect model with surgeon-level fixed effects of patient condition, patient age, and surgeon experience, with a random intercept for surgeon. Under the intention-to-treat principle, for hemiarthroplasty there was better implant position in favour of cadaveric training, measured by leg length discrepancy ≤ 10 mm (odds ratio (OR) 4.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 14.22); p = 0.027). There were significantly fewer postoperative blood transfusions required in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty by cadaveric-trained compared to standard-trained surgeons (OR 6.00 (95% CI 1.83 to 19.69); p = 0.003). For DHS, there was no significant between-group difference in implant position as measured by tip-apex distance ≤ 25 mm (OR 6.47 (95% CI 0.97 to 43.05); p = 0.053). No between-group differences were observed for any secondary clinical outcomes. Conclusion. Trainees randomized to additional cadaveric training performed hip fracture fixation with better implant positioning and fewer postoperative blood transfusions in hemiarthroplasty. This effect, which was previously unknown, may be a consequence of the intervention. Further study is required. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):602–611

Aims. To develop a core outcome set of measurements from postoperative radiographs that can be used to assess technical skill in performing dynamic hip screw (DHS) and hemiarthroplasty, and to validate these against Van der Vleuten’s criteria for effective assessment. Methods. A Delphi exercise was undertaken at a regional major trauma centre to identify candidate measurement items. The feasibility of taking these measurements was tested by two of the authors (HKJ, GTRP). Validity and reliability were examined using the radiographs of operations performed by orthopaedic resident participants (n = 28) of a multicentre randomized controlled educational trial (ISRCTN20431944). Trainees were divided into novice and intermediate groups, defined as having performed < ten or ≥ ten cases each for DHS and hemiarthroplasty at baseline. The procedure-based assessment (PBA) global rating score was assumed as the gold standard assessment for the purposes of concurrent validity. Intra- and inter-rater reliability testing were performed on a random subset of 25 cases. Results. In total, 327 DHS and 248 hemiarthroplasty procedures were performed by 28 postgraduate year (PGY) 3 to 5 orthopaedic trainees during the 2014 to 2015 surgical training year at nine NHS hospitals in the West Midlands, UK. Overall, 109 PBAs were completed for DHS and 80 for hemiarthroplasty. Expert consensus identified four ‘final product analysis’ (FPA) radiological parameters of technical success for DHS: tip-apex distance (TAD); lag screw position in the femoral head; flushness of the plate against the lateral femoral cortex; and eight-cortex hold of the plate screws. Three parameters were identified for hemiarthroplasty: leg length discrepancy; femoral stem alignment; and femoral offset. Face validity, content validity, and feasibility were excellent. For all measurements, performance was better in the intermediate compared with the novice group, and this was statistically significant for TAD (p < 0.001) and femoral stem alignment (p = 0.023). Concurrent validity was poor when measured against global PBA score. This may be explained by the fact that they are measuring difference facets of competence. Intra-and inter-rater reliability were excellent for TAD, moderate for lag screw position (DHS), and moderate for leg length discrepancy (hemiarthroplasty). Use of a large multicentre dataset suggests good generalizability of the results to other settings. Assessment using FPA was time- and cost-effective compared with PBA. Conclusion. Final product analysis using post-implantation radiographs to measure technical skill in hip fracture surgery is feasible, valid, reliable, and cost-effective. It can complement traditional workplace-based assessment for measuring performance in the real-world operating room . It may have particular utility in competency-based training frameworks and for assessing skill transfer from the simulated to live operating theatre. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:594–604

Objectives. Different criteria for assessing the reduction quality of trochanteric fractures have been reported. The Baumgaertner reduction quality criteria (BRQC) are relatively common and the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) are relatively new. The objectives of the current study were to compare the reliability of the BRQC and CRQC in predicting mechanical complications and to investigate the clinical implications of the CRQC. Methods. A total of 168 patients were assessed in a retrospective observational study. Clinical information including age, sex, fracture side, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, tip-apex distance (TAD), fracture classification, reduction quality, blade position, BRQC, CRQC, bone quality, and the occurrence of mechanical complications were used in the statistical analysis. Results. A total of 127 patients were included in the full analysis, and mechanical complications were observed in 26 patients. The TAD, blade position, BRQC and CRQC were significantly associated with mechanical complications in the univariate analysis. Only the TAD (p = 0.025) and the CRQC (p < 0.001) showed significant results in the multivariate analysis. In the comparison of the receiver operating characteristic curves, the CRQC also performed better than the BRQC. Conclusion. The CRQC are reliable in predicting mechanical complications and are more reliable than the BRQC. Future studies could use the CRQC to assess fracture reduction quality. Intraoperatively, the surgeon should refer to the CRQC to achieve good reduction in trochanteric fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:502–508

Background. Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) is the most frequently used implant in management of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. There is a known statistical relationship between a tip-apex distance (TAD) >25mm and higher rate of implant failure. Our aim was to analyse all DHS procedures performed in our trust from seventeen months and compare their TAD values to the acceptable standard of ≤25mm. Methods. All patients undergoing DHS between April 2020-August 2021 were identified from our theatre system. Additionally, those presenting to hospital with implant failures were included. Patient demographics, date of surgery, fracture classification (AO) and date/mode of failure were recorded. Intraoperative fluoroscopy images were reviewed to calculate TAD, screw location and neck shaft angles by two independent observers. Results. 215 patients were identified, five of which were excluded due to inadequate fluoroscopy. Failure was seen in 3.3% of the cohort (n=7), of which 71.4% had an unacceptable TAD. In total, 21 patients (10%) had TAD >25mm, of whom 12 had superiorly and 15 had posteriorly placed screws. There were no failures in patients with a TAD of <20mm whereas a TAD >30mm had 50% failure rate. Conclusion. This audit reinforces the importance of aiming for a low TAD (preferably <20mm) intraoperatively. It is also desirable to avoid superiorly and significantly posteriorly placed screws. Implications. Complex hip revision surgery in the elderly bears substantial financial implications to the NHS and, more importantly, causes prolonged morbidity to the patient. Adhering to established standards will ensure reduced implant failure and best patient care

Failure of cephalomedullary fixation for proximal femur fractures is an uncommon event associated with significant morbidity to the patient and cost to the healthcare system. This institution changed nailing system from the PFNA (DePuy Synthes) to InterTan (Smith and Nephew) in February 2020. To assess for non-inferiority, a retrospective review was performed on 247 patients treated for unstable proximal femur fractures (AO 31 A2; A3). Patients were identified through manual review of fluoroscopic images. Stable fracture patterns were excluded (AO 31 A1). Pre/post operative imaging, demographic data, operative time and ASA scores assessed. Internal/external imaging and national joint registry data were reviewed for follow up. No significant difference was found in overall failure rate of PFNA vs InterTan (4.84% vs 3.23%; p = 0.748). Overall, short nails were more likely to fail by cut-out than long nails (7.5% vs 1.2%; p = 0.015). Nails which failed by varus cut-out had a higher tip/apex distance (TAD) (26.2mm vs 17.0mm; p < 0.001). Of concern, varus cut-out occurred in two InterTan nails with TAD of <25mm. The PFNA enjoyed a shorter operative time for both the short (59.1 vs 71.8 mins; p = 0.022) and long nails (98.8 vs 114.3 mins; p = 0.016) with no difference in 120-day survival rate. Overall failure rates of the PFNA and InterTan nailing systems were comparable. However, the failure rate of short nails in this study is concerning. Using long nails with a lag screw design for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures may reduce failure rates. Cumulative frequency analysis suggests stringent tip-apex distances of less than 21mm may reduce failure rates in lag-screw design cephulomedullary nails. This dataset suggests that unstable intertrochanteric fractures may be more reliably managed with a long cephalomedullary device

Aim. The most frequent mechanical failure in the osteosynthesis of intertrochanteric fractures is the cut-out. Fracture pattern, reduction quality, tip-apex distance or the position of the cervico-cephalic screw are some of the factors that have been associated with higher cut-out rates. To date, it has not been established whether underlying bacterial colonization or concomitant infection may be the cause of osteosynthesis failure in proximal femur fractures (PFF). The primary objective of this study is to assess the incidence of infection in patients with cut-out after PFF osteosynthesis. Method. Retrospective cohort study on patients with cut-out after PFF osteosynthesis with endomedullary nail, from January 2007 to December 2020. Demographic data of patients (such as sex, age, ASA), fracture characteristics (pattern, laterality, causal mechanism) and initial surgery parameters were collected (time from fall to intervention, duration of surgery, intraoperative complications). Radiographic parameters were also analyzed (tip-apex distance and Chang criteria). In all cut-out cases, 5 microbiological cultures and 1 anatomopathological sample were taken and the osteosynthesis material was sent for sonication. Fracture-related infection (FRI) was diagnosed based on Metsemakers et al (2018) and McNally et al (2020) diagnostic criteria. Results. Of the 67 cut-out cases, 16 (23.9%) presented clinical, analytical or microbiological criteria of infection. Of these sixteen patients, only in 3 of them the presence of an underlying infection was suspected preoperatively. A new osteosynthesis was performed in 24 cases (35.8%) and a conversion to arthroplasty in the remaining 43 (64.2%). A comparative analysis was performed between cases with and without infection. The groups were comparable in terms of demographic data and postoperative radiological data (using Chang criteria and tip-apex distance). Patients with underlying infection had a higher rate of surgical wound complication (56.3% vs 22%, p = 0.014), higher rates of leukocytes counts (11.560 vs 7.890, p = 0.023) and time to surgery (5.88 vs 3.88 days, p = 0.072). Conclusions. One out of four osteosynthesis failure in PFF is due to underlying FRI and in almost 20% were not unsuspected before surgery. In PFF osteosynthesis failures, underlying infection should be taken into account as a possible etiological factor and thus a preoperative and intraoperative infection study should be always performed

Introduction. The vast majority of intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails (CMN) will heal. Occasionally even though bony union occurs excessive lag screw sliding can cause persistent pain and soft tissue irritation and return to surgery for hardware removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if fracture stability, lag screw tip-apex distance (TAD), and quality of reduction have any impact excessive lag screw sliding and potential cutout. Methods. As part of our level one trauma center's institutional hip fracture registry, a retrospective analysis identified 199 intertrochanteric fractures fixed with CMN between 2009 and 2015 with follow up to union or a minimum of three months. The mean follow-up was 22 months (3 to 94 months). Mean patient age was 75 years (50 to 97 years) and 72% were women. Postoperative radiographs were used to measure the TAD, quality of reduction, neck-shaft angle (NSA), and lateral lag screw prominence. Follow-up radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture union, translation, and progression of lateral lag screw prominence. Complications and reoperations were recorded. Results. The average lag screw sliding was 5±5 mm. Excessive lag screw sliding (defined as > 10 mm; one standard deviation above the mean) was present in 12% of patients. Lag screw sliding was more common in unstable fracture patterns (21% vs. 5%, p<0.01) and patients with calcar fracture gapping > 4 mm (26% vs. 4%, p<0.01). Lag screw sliding was not associated with age (p=0.9), sex (p=0.4), TAD (p=0.3), implant (p=0.8), distal interlocking screws (p=0.3), or NSA (p=0.2). There were seven (3%) patients with prominent lag screws that required removal. These patients experience more lag screw sliding than those that did not require removal (9 mm vs. 5 mm, p<0.01). The average TAD was 17±5 mm. 15 (7%) of patients had TAD of 25 mm or more. There were 2 cutouts (1%). The average TAD was larger in the cutout group (26 vs. 17 mm, p<0.01). Conclusion. In this series, the incidence of cutout was low and associated with a larger tip-apex distance. Excessive lag screw sliding was associated with unstable fracture patterns, calcar fracture gapping, and more reoperations for symptomatic hardware. Careful attention to calcar fracture reduction may minimize excessive lag screw sliding

Minimizing tip-apex distance has been shown to reduce clinical failure of sliding hip screws used to fix peritro-chanteric fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if such a relationship exists for the position of the lag screw in the femoral head using a cephalomedullary device. Methods: Thirty intact synthetic femur specimens (Model #3406, Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA) were potted into cement blocks distally for testing on an Instron 8874 (Instron, Canton, MA). A long cephalomedullary nail (Long Gamma 3 Nail, Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) was inserted into each of the femurs. An unstable four-part fracture was created, anatomically reduced, and repaired using one of 5 lag screw placements in the femoral head:. Superior (N=6),. Inferior (N=6),. Anterior (N=6),. Posterior (N=6),. Central (N=6). Mechanical tests were repeated for axial, lateral and torsional stiffness. All specimens were radiographed in the anterioposterior and lateral planes and tip-apex (TAD) distance was calculated. A calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) was also calculated. ANOVA was used to compare means of the five treatment groups. Linear regression analysis was used to compare axial, lateral and torsional stiffness (dependant variables) to both TAD and CalTAD (independent variables). Results: ANOVA testing proved that the mean axial (p< 0.01) and torsional stiffness (p< 0.01) between the 5 groups was significantly different, but lateral stiffness was not statistically different (p=0.494). Post hoc analysis showed that the inferior lag screw position provided significantly higher mean axial stiffness (568.14±66.9N/ mm) than superior (428.0±45.6N/mm; p< 0.01), anterior (443.2±45.4N/mm; p=0.02) and posterior (456.7±69.3N/ mm; p=0.04) lag screw positions. There was no significant difference in mean axial stiffness between inferior (568.14±66.9N/mm) and central (525.4±81.7N/mm) lag screw positions (p=0.77). Post hoc analysis revealed significantly less mean torsional stiffness for the superior lag screw position compared to other lag screw positions (p< 0.01 all 4 pairings). There were no significant correlations between TAD and axial (r=−0.33, p=0.08), lateral (r=−0.22, p=0.24) or torsional (r=0.08, p=0.69) stiffness. There were significant correlations between CalTAD and axial (r=−0.66, p< 0.01), lateral (r=−0.38, p=0.04) and torsional (r=−0.38, p=0.04) stiffness. Discussion: Our results suggest that placement of the lag screw inferiorly in the femoral head when using a cephalomedullary nail to treat an unstable peritrochanteric fracture results in the stiffest construct in axial and torsional biomechanical testing. A simple radiographic measurement, CalTAD, provides an intraoperative method of determining optimal cephalomedullary nail lag screw position to achieve greatest construct stiffness

Purpose: Orthopaedic residency training requires intellectual and motor skill development. In this study we aim to develop a model to evaluate junior resident proficiency and efficiency versus senior residents in the placement of a center-center guidewire during fixation of an intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture utilizing a computer-based haptic simulator. We hypothesize the junior residents will utilize more fluoroscopy and require more time to complete the task. Method: Post-graduate year residents (PGY) 3–5s, labeled Group II, placed a single central guide pin into a femoral head utilizing a surgical simulator four times. PGY 1–2s, labeled Group I, completed the same task six times. The residents were then evaluated based on final tip-apex distance (TAD), fluoroscopy time, time to complete the task, total number of distinct attempts at pin placement for each femur construct as well as final three-dimensional location of the pin from the isometric center of the femoral head. This project was approved by the institutional IRB. Conclusion: In this study we displayed that based on our simulator model there was no statistical difference between Group I and II in time to completion, final placement on AP view, and tip-apex distance. There was a statistically significant difference in the anterior/posterior placement of the wire between the two groups, fluoroscopy time, and number of attempts per trial. Our findings suggest a computer based surgical simulator can identify measurable differences in surgical proficiency between junior and senior orthopaedic residents

Introduction. Internal fixation of pertrochanteric fractures is evolving as newer implants are being developed. Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) is a recently introduced implant from AO/ASIF designed to compact the cancellous bone and may be particularly useful in unstable and osteoporotic hip fractures. This study is a single and independent centre experience of this implant used in management of acute hip fractures. Methods. 68 patients involving 68 PFNA nailing procedures done over a period of 2 years (2007–09) were included in the study. Average follow-up period of patients was 1 year. AO classification for trochanteric fractures was used to classify all the fractures. Radiological parameters including tip-apex distance and neck shaft angle measurement were assessed. Results. Average age of patients included in the study was 80 years. 18 patients died during the follow up period due to non-procedure related causes. Average tip-apex distance was 12.7 mm and radiological fracture union time was 5 months. Revision of short to a long PFNA was needed for periprosthetic fracture of shaft of femur in two patients. Two patients needed a complex total hip replacement eventually and further two patients had removal of the implant due to PFNA blade penetration through the femoral head. Discussion. PFNA is a technically demanding procedure and has a learning curve. Our experience shows that it is a useful implant in unstable pertrochanteric fracture fixation. A close radiological and clinical follow up is recommended due to the risk of late fracture and implant related complications

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated the value of the tip-apex distance (TAD) and the location of the screw in the femoral head in predicting cut-out. Similarly surgeons’ volume has been shown to affect mortality and morbidity in various surgical specialties, including in trauma and orthopaedics. Aim: To determine whether re-operation due to cut out at six month can be predicted using TAD, location of the screw and fracture type; and whether the experience of the surgeon is important. Methods: Logistic regression was used to analyse data collected retrospectively from 241 patients with extracapsular fractures (Jensen’s modification of Evans’ classification: Class I – 90, Class II – 93 and Class III – 58), treated with a dynamic hip screw, classic hip screw or intramedullary hip screw from April 2005 to October 2007. Results: There were 7 cut outs (2.5%) requiring re-operation within 6 months – 1 in the consultant group and 6 in the trainee group,. The model used was statistically significant (X2=23.6 [13df], p< 0.05). The tip-apex distance was a strong predictor (p< 0.05) of cut-out requiring re-operation at six months. The odds of the patient requiring re-operation due to cut out increases by a factor of 1.2 for each millimetre increase in the TAD. Location of the hip screw and fracture type were however not significant predictors. The first surgeon was a consultant in 54 cases and trainee in 187 cases. There was no statistically significant difference in re-operation rate due to cut out between patients operated on by consultants compared to trainees. Conclusion: The TAD is a strong predictor of cut out requiring re-operation at 6 months. No difference was found in our series in re-operation rate due to cut out among cases performed by consultants compared to trainees

Purpose: Minimizing tip-apex distance (TAD) has been shown to reduce clinical failure of extramedullary sliding hip screws used to fix peritrochanteric fractures. There is debate regarding the optimal position of the lag screw in the femoral head when a cephalomedullary nail is used to treat a peritrochanteric fracture. Some authors suggest the TAD should be minimized as with an extramedullary sliding hip screw, while others suggest the lag screw should be placed inferior within the femoral head. The primary goal of this study was to determine which of 5 possible lag screw positions in the femoral head provides greatest mechanical stiffness and/or load-to-failure for an unstable peritrochanteric fracture treated with a cepha-clomedullary nail. The secondary goal was to determine if there is a linear correlation between implant-femur mechanical stiffness and/or load to failure (dependent variables) with a series of five radiographic measurements (independent variables) of distance from the lag screw tip to the femoral head apex. Method: Long Gamma 3 Nails (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) were inserted into 30 left synthetic femurs (Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA). An unstable four-part fracture was created, anatomically reduced, and repaired using one of 5 lag screw placements in the femoral head:. superior (n=6),. inferior (n=6),. anterior (n=6),. posterior (n=6),. central (n=6). All specimens were radiographed in the anterioposterior and lateral planes, and radiographic measurements including TAD and a calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) were calculated. All specimens were tested for axial, lateral, and torsional stiffness, and then loaded-to-failure in the axial position using an Instron 8874 (Canton, MA). ANOVA was used to compare means of the five treatment groups. Linear regression analysis was used to compare stiffness and load-to-failure (dependant variables) with radiographic measurements (independent variables). A post hoc power analysis was performed. Results: The inferior lag screw position had significantly greater mean axial stiffness than superior (p< 0.01), anterior (p=0.02) and posterior (p=0.04) positions. Analysis revealed significantly less mean torsional stiffness for the superior lag screw position compared to other lag screw positions (p< 0.01 all 4 pairings). No statistical differences were noted for lateral stiffness. Superior and central lag screw positions had significantly greater mean load-to-failure than anterior (p< 0.01 and p=0.02) and posterior (p< 0.01 and p=0.05) positions. There were significant negative linear correlations between stiffness tests with CalTAD, and load-to-failure with TAD. Power was greater than 95% for axial stiffness, torsional stiffness and load-to-failure tests. Conclusion: Position of the lag screw in the femoral head affects the biomechanical properties of the implant-femur construct. Central placement of the lag screw with minimization of TAD may provide the best combination of stiffness and load-to-failure