Aims. Cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) are commonly used for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be used as a salvage procedure when fixation fails in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications of THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent THA were identified from the 5% subset of Medicare Parts A/B between 2002 and 2015. A subgroup involving those with an intertrochanteric fracture that was treated using a CMN during the previous five years was identified and compared with the remaining patients who underwent THA. The length of stay (LOS) was compared using both univariate and multivariate analysis. The incidence of infection, dislocation, revision, and re-admission was compared between the two groups, using multivariate analysis adjusted for demographic, hospital, and clinical factors. Results. The Medicare data yielded 56 522 patients who underwent primary THA, of whom 369 had previously been treated with a CMN. The percentage of THAs that were undertaken between 2002 and 2005 in patients who had previously been treated with a CMN (0.346%) more than doubled between 2012 and 2015 (0.781%). The CMN group tended to be older and female, and to have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and lower socioeconomic status. The mean LOS was 1.5 days longer (5.3 vs 3.8) in the CMN group (p < 0.0001). The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the CMN group compared with the non-CMN group: infection (6.2% vs 2.6%), dislocation (8.1% vs 4.5%), revision (8.4% vs 4.3%), revision for infection (1.1% vs 0.37%), and revision for dislocation (2.2% vs 0.6%). Conclusion. The incidence of conversion to THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN continues to increase. This occurs in elderly patients with increased comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of infection, dislocation, and LOS in these patients. Patients with failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN who require THA should be made aware of the increased risk of complications, and steps need to be taken to reduce this risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):91–96

Intertrochanteric fractures are common, accounting for nearly 30% of all fracture related admissions. Some have suggested that these fractures should be treated in community hospitals so as not to tax the resources of Level One trauma centers. Since many factors predictive of fixation failure are related to technical aspects of the surgery, the purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters after fixation comparing trauma fellowship trained surgeons to non-fellowship trained community surgeons to see if these fractures can be treated successfully in either setting. Using our hospital system's trauma database, we identified 100 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails by traumatologists, and 100 consecutive patients treated by community surgeons. Quality of reduction, neck shaft angle (NSA), tip-to apex distance (TAD) were compared. The mean TAD for the trauma group was 10mm compared to 21mm for the community group (p<0.001). The mean postoperative NSA for the trauma group was 133 degrees compared to 127 degrees for the community group (p<0.001). The mean difference in the NSA of the fractured side compared to the normal hip was 2.5 degrees of valgus in the trauma group compared to 5 degrees of varus for the community group (p<0.001). There were 93 good reductions in the trauma group compared to 19 in the community group (p<0.001). There were no poor reductions in the trauma group and 49 poor reductions in the community group (p<0.001). Fellowship trained traumatologists achieved significantly more accurate reductions and implant placement during cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Introduction. Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are commonly used for the treatment of intertrochanteric (IT) hip fractures. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly used as a salvage procedure for failed IT hip fractures that progress to post-traumatic arthritis. This study analyzed the complications of THA following treatment of failed IT hip fractures with cephalomedullary nails. Methods. Patients who had a primary THA were identified from the 5% subset of Medicare Parts A/B from 2002–2015. A subgroup with previous CMN for IT hip fracture within the previous 5 years was identified and compared to the remaining THA patients without prior CMN. Length of stay (LOS) was compared using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Infection, dislocation, revision, and readmission were compared between those with and without prior CMN, using multivariate analysis (adjusted for demographic, hospital, and clinical factors). Results. 5% subset of the Medicare data yielded 56,522 primary THA, with 369 treated with prior CMN. The percentage of primary THA from 2002–2005 with prior cephalomedullary nails (0.346%) more than doubled in 2012–2015 (0.781%). The prior CMN group tended to be older, female, higher CCI, and lower socioeconomic status. Mean LOS was 1.5 days longer (5.3 vs 3.8) in the prior CMN group (p<0.0001). The percentage of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the prior CMN group compared to non-CMN cohort: infection (6.2% vs 2.6%), dislocation (8.1% vs 4.5%), revision (8.4% vs 4.3%), revision for infection (1.1% vs 0.37%), and revision for dislocation (2.2% vs 0.6%). Discussion. Conversion from failed IT hip fractures with cephalomedullary nails to total hip arthroplasty continues to increase. These cases occur in elderly patients with increased comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of infection, dislocation and LOS in the CMN group. Patients with failed IT hip fractures undergoing THA should be made aware of the increased complication risk and further steps need to be undertaken to diminish the elevated risk

Aims

This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented stems in total hip arthroplasty.