Objectives. Bisphosphonates are widely used as first-line treatment for primary and secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Whilst they have proved effective in this role, there is growing concern over their long-term use, with much evidence linking bisphosphonate-related suppression of bone remodelling to an increased risk of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (AFFs). The objective of this article is to review this evidence, while presenting the current available strategies for the management of AFFs. Methods. We present an evaluation of current literature relating to the pathogenesis and treatment of AFFs in the context of bisphosphonate use. Results. Six broad themes relating to the pathogenesis and management of bisphosphonate-related AFFs are presented. The key themes in fracture pathogenesis are: bone microdamage accumulation; altered bone mineralisation and altered collagen formation. The key themes in fracture management are: medical therapy and surgical therapy. In addition, primary prevention strategies for AFFs are discussed. Conclusions. This article presents current knowledge about the relationship between bisphosphonates and the development of AFFs, and highlights key areas for future research. In particular, studies aimed at identifying at-risk subpopulations and organising surveillance for those on long-term therapy will be crucial in both increasing our understanding of the condition, and improving population outcomes. Cite this article: N. Kharwadkar, B. Mayne, J. E. Lawrence, V. Khanduja. Bisphosphonates and atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:144–153. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0125.R1

Internal fixation for supracondylar fracture of the femur after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is technically difficult and troublesome because the distal bony fragment is often osteoporotic and too small to fix by screws or K-wires. In addition, the femoral component interferes with the screws or K-wires to be inserted from distal direction for fixation of the fracture. Patients and Methods. Four knees in 4 patients (all female; average age, 81.5 +/− 2.6 years) with the fracture after TKA were treated with revision TKA. Follow-up period was between six months and 3 years postoperatively. Operative technique. All operations were performed with the patient in the supine position and using a curved anterior (Payer) approach with or without osteotomy of the tuberositas tibiae. The femoral component was removed with detachment from fractured bony fragments. New femoral component with long stem for fixation of the fracture were inserted with bone cement in each case. Post-operative regimen. On the third postoperative day the patient began flexion and exension exercise of the operated knee joint with a rehabilitation programmed by clinical path under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The use of crutches for ambulation was begun on the 10. th. to 14. th. postoperative day, and the extent of weight bearing was allowed individually according to the stability of the fixation of the fracture. The time to full weight bearing in each patient was 3 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Results. Postoperative courses were uneventful in all of the cases. The supracondylar fracture of the femur was rigidly fixed and healed radiographically within 8 weeks postoperatively in each case. The JOA scores were improved in all od the cases. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores for the knees improved to 90 points postoperative. No femoral components had definite radiographic evidence of loosening and were re-revised. Discussion. In the current study of short-term results of revision total knee arthroplasty for treatment of supracondylar fracture of the femur after total knee with osteoporosis, the component have shown to remain stable in weight bearing conditions and functioned well. Fracture healing and good clinical outcome, evaluated according to the JOA score, were achieved in all cases. Longer-term outcome should be the subject of further investigation. Conclusion. The revision TKA was a successful method for treatment of the supracondylar fracture after TKA

Purpose: Treating fractures of the femur in patients with a total hip arthroplasty is a difficult task. The frequency of these fractures is estimated at 1% to 3%. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcome and to search, by type of fracture, for factors predictive of late complications in order to improve indications. Material and methods: Since 1985, we collected data on 29 patients (17 women and 12 men) mean age 73.3 years who had a fracture of the femur after total hip arthroplasty. By definition, intraoperative fractures were excluded. Two independent operators noted epidemiological, therapeutic and imaging data and classed the fractures using the Vancouver classification. Treatments used were noted and clinical and radiological outcomes at mean follow-up of 24 months (6–140) were analysed. Results: Falls were the cause of the fractures in 31 patients (84%). Six of these patients had a revision prosthesis. Five fractures were in a zone of unprotected weakness. The fractures were trochanteric (n=9), periprosthetic (n=18), or below the stem (n=2). Nine patients were treated by isolated osteosynthesis and eleven by replacing the prosthesis. The Beals score was used to assess outcome taking into account the stability and the quality of the implant fixation as well as fracture realignment. In patients whose fracture was around the stem, outcome was excellent in two, good in one, and poor in four. For fractures of the lesser trochanter (n=4), outcome was excellent in two and good in two. For fractures below the stem (n=2), outcome was good in both. There was one case of deep infection. Discussion: Considering the same types of fractures, orthopaedic treatments produced poor results (6/11), unlike prosthesis replacement (2/11) and osteosynthesis (1/9). The number of loosenings was underestimated, leading to failure of orthopaedic treatment. Conclusion: In the event of fracture of the proximal femur in patients with a total hip arthroplasty, any suspected loosening, particularly of a cemented stem, should lead to prosthesis revision rather than orthopaedic treatment or simple osteosynthesis

Post-operative periprosthetic fracture of the femur (POPFF) is a growing problem associated with increased mortality. Most registry derived estimates of mortality only record patients who undergo revision and cohort studies are generally limited to a single center, which makes comparison for the purposes of service improvement difficult. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies reporting mortality following POPFF in the last decade. Study methodology was peer-reviewed (PROSPERO: CRD42020170819). Literature search was conducted using Medline and EMBASE. Primary exposure was the diagnosis of POPFF, and the primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality: whilst an inpatient, within 30-days, within 90-days and within one year of POPFF. Proportion of patients dying (95% CI [confidence interval]) was estimated using metaregression. Results were compared to mortality following neck of femur fracture (NOF) from international NOF registry data. 4841 patients from 35 cohort studies were included. Study quality was generally low with a majority limited to a single centre. Weighted mean follow-up was 2.3 years and the most common POPFF was UCS B. Pooled proportion dying as an inpatient was 2.4% (95% CI 1.6% to 3.4%). Pooled proportion dying within 30 days was 3.3% (95% CI 2.0% to 5.0%). Pooled proportion dying within 90 days was 4.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 6.1%). Pooled proportion dying within one year was 13.4% (95% CI 11.9% to 14.8%). Mortality following POPFF was similar to that of NOF up to 30 days, but better at one year. 3.3% of patients die following POPFF within 30 days of injury. Mortality is similar to that experienced by patients following NOF up to 30 days, but better at one year, which may represent the lower underlying risk of death in the POPFF cohort. These results may form the basis for evaluation of services treating POPFF in the future

Aim: the aim of the study is to show that the supracon-dylar nail, for fracture of distal femur has only advantage. Materials and methods: Between 1996–2002 in our hospital we treated 25 fracture of distal femur with the supra-condylar nail. A.O. Classification A1=9, A2=6, A3=3 C1=4, C2=3, C3=0. Seven patients had and more than one fractures. We had two periprothetic fractures. We used open reduction in 8 patients, and closed reduction in 14 patient. We follow up 23 patient, 2 of them had died 2 and 3 years after the operative treatment. Result: The allayment of the leg was good in all patients. We saw callus formation in all fractures in 10–20 weeks (14 w.) no pseudarthrosis, no allograft had been used, no infection. The movement of the knee was full range of motion in type A fracture, and in type C was 100–110. We saw that all fracture united, we have no valgus or varus deformity. Conclusion: Our result shows that the stability of the fractures of distal femur with supracondylar nail is very good method throw a small incision in type A, and C fracture

Introduction: The amount of tension which surgeons apply to a two-side Dall-Miles cable during the fixation of periprosthetic fracture has not been reported. Current study is the first report that reveals the real cable tension data which was intraoperatively measured. Methods: In vivo data of tightening torque was measured intraoperatively during Dall-Miles cable fixation surgeries for periprosthetic fracture of the femur. And the numerical relationship between torque and cable tension was assessed through mechanical tests. Using the torque vs. cable tension relationship, intraoperatively measured tightening torque was converted into a cable tension. Intraoperative measurement of tightening torque In vivo data of the maximal torque which was applied by an experienced surgeon was measured using a torquemeter. Total 11 cases of periprosthetic femoral fractures from 11 patients were participated with their agreement. A two-side Dall-Miles cable tightener (Stryker Co., USA) was used. To measure the torque of Dall-Miles tightener applied by a surgeon, a torquemeter (Torque driver 80FTD2-N-S, TOHNICHI, JAPAN) was connected to the Dall-Miles tightener through a square groove. The groove was machined with 1cm × 1cm × 1cm in dimension on the proximal end of the rotational shaft of the Dall-Miles tightener. Laboratory measurement of torque and tension To reveal the relationship between the torque of Dall-Miles cable tensioner and the tension of the cable, mechanical tests were done. A two-side Dall-Miles cable tightener were mounted to INSTRON (INSTRON, Norwood, MA, USA) using a customized fixation jig. One cable of 2 mm in diameter was connected to the upper head of INSTRON, and another to the lower headA preload was slowly applied to the cables up to 10 N so that the initially loose interaction among a tightener, two cables, and two loading heads of INSTRON became tight. Once the preloading finished, tightening torque and cable tension were simultaneously measured. The tightening torque was increased in increment of 1 N-m; accordingly, at each torque the tension hung to Dall-Miles cable was measured by reading loadcell data of INSTRON. Results: Intraoperative tightening torque Intraoperatively measured maximal torque applied to the Dall-Miles cable tensioner was 5.7±0.5 N-m. Numerical expression of torque-tension relationship Based on the data of tightening torque and cable tension measured from mechanical tests, the relationship between the torque (T) and tension (P) of Dall-Midles cable fixation system was numerically expressed. Total range of measured tightening torques and cable tensions was linearized. The linear expression was “T=106.8 × P”. Based on this numerical relationship, the amount of cable tension applied to the cable was calculated as 606.6±58 N. Discussion: This study revealed that 606.6±58 N of cable tension has been applied when an experienced surgeon does cable fixation of periprosthetic fracture. Authors believe that the torque-tension relationship will provide a key biomechanical clue for biomechanics scientists, and the amount of intraoperative cable tension measured at the time of Dall-Miles cable fixation for periprosthetic fracture will provide an important surgical key reference for the surgeons who use the cable fixation system

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using short design stem is surging with increasing movement of minimally invasive techniques. Short stems are easier to insert through small incisions preserving muscles. We have used these types of short stems since 2010. Almost all of the patients have shown good clinical results. However, two patients developed fatigue fractures on femurs post operatively. We have reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of these patients. Patients and methods. From April 2010, we have performed 621 THAs with short design stems, Microplasty. R. , Biomet, using a muscle preservation approach, the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA). The age ranged from 31 to 88 years old. Case1: 56y.o. male, BMI 23.1kg/m. 2. Preoperative diagnosis was bilateral osteoarthritis. Simultaneous THAs were performed on bilateral hips. He was allowed to bear as much weight as he could tolerate using an assistive device immediately after surgery, and followed standard hip precautions for the first 3 weeks. He was discharged from hospital seven days after surgery and returned to his job two weeks after surgery. He noticed sudden left thigh pain three weeks after surgery without any obvious cause. Crutches were recommended to partially bear his weight. Six weeks after surgery, a fracture line became visible on the radiographs and new callus formation also became visible. Three months after surgery, he felt no pain and was able to walk without any crutches. Case2: 66y.o. female, BMI 27.5 kg/m. 2. Preoperative diagnosis was bilateral osteoarthritis. THAs were performed on the hips at a six month interval. The right hip was operated on first, followed by the left hip. She was discharged from hospital four days after surgery and returned to her job six weeks after surgery. Two months later after left hip surgery, she suddenly felt pain on her left femur without any obvious cause, and was unable to walk. Three weeks later, X-rays showed fatigue fracture lines and new callus formations. After two or three months using crutches, her pain improved and X-rays showed good callus formation and no stem subsidence. Discussions. Several reports showed insufficiency fractures of the pelvis following THA. But most of them occurred due to repetitive stress on fragile bones. But our cases showed no evidence of osteoporosis. They had no history of trauma. But they had some points in common, which were they were bilateral cases and their BMI were not low. The incident rate of fatigue fractures of femur with this short stem THAs was 0.3% in our cases. We suggested that one of the causes of these fatigue fractures was the shortness of the stems. The shortness of the stems concentrate the body weight to limited contact area of the femur, and the stress causes the fatigue fractures. We should consider the risk of fatigue fractures on the patients who are operated on bilaterally. However these two patients showed good callus formations and no stem subsidence after a few weeks of partial weight bearing

Introduction. Long-term use of bisphosphonates has been known to induce femoral insufficiency fracture in osteoporotic patients. We followed patients who had femoral insufficiency fractures after a long-term use of bisphosphonates. Methods. Eleven patients (14 hips) were diagnosed as having an insufficiency fracture of the femur after long-term (> 4 years) use of bisphosphonate to treat osteoporosis between January 2002 and December 2008. All patients were women who had a mean age of 68 years (range, 57 to 82 years). The fracture site was located in the subtrochanteric area in 6 hips and the femoral shaft in 8 hips. Three patients had bilateral involvement. These patients were followed-up for a mean of 27 months (range, 12 to 60 months). Results. Five hips in five patients displaced during the follow-up period. The mean period from the diagnosis of insufficiency fracture to the displacement was 10 months (range, 1 to 19 months). Five hips (five patients) underwent internal fixation due to persistent pain. Thus, during the follow-up of 27 months, operation was necessary in 71% (10 hips) of 14 insufficiency fractures. Four hips (four patients) that did not undergo any operation had persistent pain at the latest follow-up. Conclusion. The insufficiency fractures after prolonged bisphosphonate therapy seldom healed spontaneously and most of them required operation due to fracture displacement or persistent pain. We recommend preventive surgery to prevent further fracture displacement and persistent pain

Introduction. Basicervical fracture of the femur is one type of hip fracture, which is regarded as an extra and intra-capsular fracture. We experienced an atypical type of this fractures, the fracture line exist between subcapital portion at anterior aspect and base of the neck at posterior aspect, running through the neck with a shearing fracture line shown in the coronal plane. We investigate the characteristic and result of this fractures in our cases. Material & Methods. We treated seven cases, the mean age was 85(57–101) years old, the mean follow-up period was sixteen (3–27)months, and the cause of injury was fall in all cases. We evaluate treatment method, radiographical and clinical outcomes. Results. Four cases were treated with hemiarthroplasty and three were treated with osteosynthesis. Bone union was obtained within six months. There was no incidence of complications. Discussion & Conclusion. In the diagnosis of this fracture, we should pay careful attention to radiological assessment. In the treatment of this fracture, the anterior portion of proximal fragment is shorter than posterior portion, we should consider this characteristic of the fracture. We should be aware of cortical defect of the calcar in hemiarthroplasty, and have difficulty of reduction in osteosynthesis

Purpose of this study is to compare the two techniques, [sliding nail plate, or locking intramedullary nail type ã], and to estimate their results of the surgical treatment of the subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Material and methods. From the January 1999 till December 2002, 38 subtrochanteric fractures patients have been operated in our clinic. According to the classification of AO/ASIF 12 of them were type A, 18 were type B and 8 type C. 28 patients were female & 10 male, aged from 41 to 90 years (mean 85 years old). 22 of cases were followed up for at least 6 months up to 20 months. 5 of the patients died for reasons other than the fracture itself and its treatment. The remaining 11 cases failed to appear for a follow-up. They were all surgically treated. In 8 cases we performed the 135 DHS nailing and in the 21 cases the 95 DCP nailing. In the remaining 9 fracture cases we performed intramedullary nail type ã nail. In some cases, (plaiting – surgery) we used allograft. There were no intrasurgical complications. Two material breakages, [failure], occurred as post-surgical complication [95 DCP), the one was treated with locking intramedullary nail type ã, and the other with prosthetic replacement [ Thomson]. The patients started moving immediately, although they used partial wait bearing in a period of 3 days to 6 weeks, depending on the type of fracture and internal fixation. The operation lasted from 3/4h up to 2h and we transfused from 1 to 3 blood units (mean 2,5). Results were better with locking intramedullary nail, than with any type of plating, [biological advantages – less failure]. Conclusion. All subtrocanteric fractures should be treated by stable internal fixation. Our recent experience with the new undreamed AO nail, and its versatile proximal locking has been very favorable

Purpose: To review the results of periprosthetic femoral fractures treated using cortical strut allograft and plate internal fixation. Material & Methods: Between November 1996 and July 2006, 17 patients with periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty were treated using deep-frozen cortical strut allografts as an adjunct support after internal fixation. The average age was 79 years (range 56 to 96 years) with 13 woman and 4 men. According to the Vancouver classification system, there were 6 type B1, 5 type B2, 1 type B3 and 5 type C fractures. All fractures were closed except for one type I of Gustilo. Twelve patients had internal fixation of the fracture using a Dall-Miles cable and plate system, 5 using a AO/ASIF 4.5 dynamic compression plate, and 2 had an associated revision arthroplasty of the stem. Cortical strut allograft was used from the femur in 6 cases and from the tibia in 11 cases. Mean follow-up was of 97.5 weeks. Results: One patient presented a rupture of a screw and varus displacement of the fracture, but healed without symptomatic complaints. A superficial infection occurred in the patient with open fracture. All the patients, except for two, required allogenic blood transfusion. Mean inhospital stay was of 18.6 days and walk with weigh was allowed at a mean of 50.9 days. Two patients died few weeks after the treatment due to complications of their previous pathological disorders. Aseptic loosening of a hip arthroplasty occurred at two years follow-up requiring revision surgery. Three patients referred mild pain at the last follow-up visit. Conclusions: Cortical strut allograft associated with internal fixation has provided satisfactory results in the present serie. We consider this procedure safe and effective, specially for type B1 and C periprosthetic femoral fractures

Purpose: Periprosthetic fractures around hip prostheses are difficult problems because these fractures range from the very simple (requiring no surgical intervention) to the complex (requiring major surgery). This paper evaluates the primary stability and restoration of femoral bone stock following treatment of Vancouver type B-2 periprosthetic fracture of the femur using an extensively hydroxy-apatite coated revision stem implant. Methods: We have prospectively reviewed 9 cases with B-2 periprosthetic fracture operated at our centre between 1996 to 2001. Of the nine patients, 4 were male and 5 female. The mean age was 76.7 years (50-92). All patients were treated by femoral revision using an extensively hydroxy-apatite coated titanium revision femoral stem (Restoration HA, Stryker, Rutherford, NJ). Fixation was augmented with a combination of cerclage cables and onlay cortical strut allografts. Results: There has been no loss to follow-up. 1 patient died, but at most recent follow-up the fracture had united with radiological evidence of bone on-growth to the stem. Mean follow up in the rest of the cohort was 3.3 years. There was radiological evidence of fracture union in all patients. Mean subsidence of the stem was 0.22mm. At most recent follow-up the mean Harris Hip Score had improved to 77.2 (63-93). Favourable bone remodelling was observed in all patients with no evidence of stress shielding so far. At most recent follow-up there have been no cases of mechanical failure, deep infection or dislocations. No patient is awaiting further revision. Conclusion and Significance: Te Restoration HA stem has produced excellent clinical results in our study. We have observed no intra operative fracture and low postoperative complication rate. We are extremely encouraged by the observed femoral remodelling. There has been no case of mechanical failure as yet and there is no reason to expect, once union and on-growth have occurred, that loosening will be a problem. In treating this challenging and increasingly common complication of total hip replacement, femoral revision using an extensively HA coated revision femoral component offers a reliable method of femoral fixation leading to successful fracture healing and early return to function

Introduction: Intraoperative femoral fractures occurring in cementless total hip replacement are not frequent. In a series of in 350 consecutive hip replacements 15 cases of fractures were recognized and included for this study. Materials and Methods: The fractures mainly occured during the femoral preparation rather than during the definitive stem impaction. Accurate reduction and stable internal fixation were considered necessary intraoperatively. Nevertheless in 4 cases the fixation of the stem was converted into a conventional cemented one. Postoperatively the patients were allowed to have an immediat full weight bearing on the operated side in 5 cases. The remainders (10 patients) had a delayed reloading on the lower limb. In this study the clinical and radiological results of the fracture group were compared to those of a control group of 15 patients. Results: One year after surgery the Harris Hip score was no significantly different between the groups. Postoperative complication rate (deep venous thrombosis, infection, dislocation) were not different between the groups. There was a significant increase of duration of the stay of the patient in the rehabilitation center (p=0.007) in the fracture group and the patient spend more time with the physiotherapist (p=0.001)as they left the center. The fracture rate was lower when the patients were operated by a senior surgeon (p=0.021). Discussion: These results are comparable to those of the literature. Nevertheless intraoperative fractures of the proximal femur occurring in cementless total hip replacement do not jeopardize the clinical final outcome. This study emphasizes the importance of the learning–curve in cementless THR. Additional studies could assess the real costs for the medical care of such fractures

Gunshot-induced fractures of the proximal femur typically present with severe comminution and bone loss. These fractures may also be associated with local damage to soft tissue, neurovascular structures and injuries to abdominal organs. The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of civilian gunshot injuries to the proximal femur at a major trauma center in South Africa. A retrospective review of all patients who sustained gunshot-induced proximal femur fractures between January 2014 and December 2017 was performed. Patients with gunshot injuries involving the hip joint, neck of femur or pertrochanteric fractures were included. Patient demographics, clinical- treatment and outcome data were collected. Results are reported as appropriate given the distribution of continuous data or as frequencies and counts. Our study included 78 patients who sustained 79 gunshot-induced proximal femur fractures. The mean age of patients was 31 ± 112, and the majority of patients were male (93.6%). Pertrochantenteric fractures were the most common injuries encountered (73.4%). Treatment included cephalomedullary nail (60.8%), arthrotomy and internal fixation (16.4%) and interfragmentary fixation with cannulated screws (6%). One case of complete neck of femur fracture had fixation failure, which required conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The overall union rate was 69.6%, and 6.3% of patients developed a fracture-related infection in cases who completed follow-up. The study shows an acceptable union rate when managing these fractures and a low risk of infection. As challenging as they are, individual approaches for each fracture and managing each fracture according to their merits yield acceptable outcomes

Due to its popularity of intramedullary nails (IMN) high success rate, newer design (titanium) IMN system have been introduced to replace stainless steel system. However the stability provided by the titanium IMN

may not be adequate, there by influencing the union rate.

We aimed to compare the results of both IMN systems via prospective clinical study and biomechanical testing using RSA.

Introduction: Management of supracondylar fractures above a TKR is a difficult problem, aggravated by the increasing number of arthroplasties carried out and the increase of the ageing population. The aim of this paper is to determine the limb function after treatment of these fractures.

Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the outcome of the treatment of suprandylar fractures above an ipsilateral TKR. All fractures were classified according to the Lewis & Rorabeck System. Conservative treatment was provided to eight fractures. Osteosynthesis using a Dynamic Condylar Screw (DCS) was performed to five patients. The largest group of twenty patients was treated with a retrograde supracondylar nail. Three patients underwent a revision surgery.

Results: Four out of eight fractures treated conservatively had a satisfactory outcome. All patients treated with a DCS achieved a satisfactory result. Seventy five percent of patients treated with a supracondylar nail gained adequate functional and anatomical result. Revision surgery was satisfactory in all cases.

Conclusion: The above-described fractures are still not very frequent, but represent a high risk of important complications, with potentially disastrous consequences. For those reasons and the poor bone stock in the elderly its management is controversial. The challenge for the surgeon is to achieve the goals of consolidation of the fracture, preservation of a painless TKR, and, restoration of the previous functional status. A complex group of factors, such as fracture pattern, implant status, bone quality and general condition of the patient, need to be assessed.

Purpose: Shaft fractures are not uncommon in elderly subjects who have proximal osteosynthesis material. There are several options for the surgical technique and the fixation method, the choice depending on their aggressiveness.

Material and methods: Between January 1998 and January 2002, retrograde nailing with proximal locking using the fixation screws already in the femur was used for eight women aged 79–99 years (mean 92). The classical ascending nailing procedure was used to insert a Russell-Taylor nail in six patients and a supracondylar Stryker nail in two. The proximal locking was used by apposing the fixation screw, which implied coinciding the locking holes in the nail with the plate screws. This required using only one screw for locking in some cases because of the distances between the holes.

Results: There were no infectious complications. Fracture alignment was correct in all cases. Subjectively, total recovery of motion and independence was achieved. Likewise for pain relief although assessment was difficult. Bone healing was achieved in four months. Secondary varus displacement occurred due to insufficient hold of the proximal locking screw in the medial cortical.

Conclusion: Although not perfect, the retrograde nail locked in the proximal implant provides a satisfactory solution for these often debilitated elderly patients. This option enables a minimally aggressive operation allowing a composite osteosynthesis protecting the entire femur without imposing points of peak stress.

The femur is a common site for skeletal metastases. The Gamma2 nail has proved effective in relieving pain and restoring function. Little data exists on the use of the Gamma3 Long Nail (GLN) in this condition. Improved instrumentation is suggested to reduce operative time and facilitate minimally invasive surgery. This study reports a series of patients treated in a District General Hospital.

A retrospective casenote review was performed of all patients treated with the GLN for femoral metastatic disease over a five year period. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of one year. Functional level was assessed using the Parker Mobility Score (PMS).

12 patients underwent 15 nailings. Mean age was 75.4 years (median 75.7, range 61-92). In bilateral cases, the operations were performed during the same hospital admission. There were seven prophylactic nailings for impending fracture from proximal femoral lesions, seven procedures for actual fractures distal to the intertrochanteric line, and one basicervical fracture associated with multiple femoral metastases. Primaries were four prostate, two breast, two lung, one bowel, one bladder, one renal, and one myeloma.

Average anaesthetic time for all procedures was 134 mins (median 125, range 90-210). Average peri-operative drop in serum haemoglobin was 2.3g/dL (median 2.1, range 0.6-4.8). Five patients with actual fracture and one patient with impending fracture required blood transfusion, receiving 2.2 units on average.

In-hospital mortality rate was 0.83%, with only one patient not surviving to discharge. One year mortality was 83.3%. Only two patients were alive one year post-operation. Of the remaining patients, average survival was 3.2 months (median 3, range 1-6). Patients spent an average of 17 days on an acute orthopaedic unit (median 14, range 4-80). Two patients required further convalescence in a rehabilitation unit.

There were three surgical complications. Two impending fractures became complete, One intra-operatively and one post-operatively. In the case of basi-cervical fracture, the proximal screw cut out of the femoral head, requiring revision to a long-stem bipolar hemiarthroplasty. This was the only re-operation required in this series.

Average pre-operative PMS was 5.2 (median 4, range 2-9). Average peri-operative drop in PMS was two points (median 1.5, range 0-6). Of the 11 patients who survived to discharge, 10 were independently mobile and returned to their pre-operation residence. Nine required a change in walking aids. Only one patient reported post-operative pain.

This small patient series suggests that the Gamma3 Long Nail is a suitable treatment option for impending and actual metastatic femoral fractures in the District General setting. Length of stay, in-hospital mortality and re-operation rates compare favourably with published data on the Gamma2. There was a significant drop in Parker Mobility Score but all patients bar one were independently mobile and returned to their home. Anaesthetic time was not lower than with the Gamma2, suggesting little tangible benefit of the new instrumentation.

Case Report: Metastatic deposits in the proximal femur commonly result in pathological fracture. Conventionally these fractures are treated surgically, by internal fixation or arthroplasty. The emphasis in treating these fractures is on restoring stability to the proximal femur and relieving pain. We present two cases in which pathological fractures of the proximal femur secondary to metastatic renal carcinoma were treated conservatively with excellent functional outcomes. In both cases, the medical condition of the patient precluded surgery. A 68 year old male with a subcapital fracture of the proximal femur was treated with bedrest and mobilisation. At 6 months he was able to mobilise with crutches, swim, and had returned to almost all normal activities despite non-union of the fracture. A 63 year old male had a pathological fracture of the proximal femur treated by DCS fixation. The fracture failed to unite and the plate fractured. Despite this the patient was able to walk with crutches, pain free. Discussion: After a pathological fracture of the proximal femur conservative management can lead to satisfactory analgesia, function and therefore quality of life

Chronic infection of bone with nonunion is traditionally treated by a 2-stage procedure involving initial debridement and antibiotic delivery and then definitive internal fixation. Alternatively, external fixators are used to provide stability. A technique with which single stage antibiotic cement-coated intramedullary nails are prepared in the operating room with the use of Kuntscher Nails and materials that generally are available is described herein. Although useful for all infected nonunions this technique is particularly useful for patients who are not ideal candidates for external fixation and for those who do not want to have an external fixator applied. We evaluated 10 cases treated with antibiotic cement-coated K nail with application of an additional unicortical plate in 7 cases. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting was done in all cases and additional bone substitutes used in 2 cases. 9 patients had stable union with complete control of infection. One patient had persistent infection at the time of last follow