Abstract. Objectives. The use of cannulated screws for femoral neck fractures is often limited by concerns of avascular necrosis (AVN) occurring, historically seen in 10–20% of fixed intracapsular fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of AVN with current surgical techniques within our unit. Methods. A single centre retrospective review was performed. Operative records between 1st July 2014 and 31st May 2019 were manually searched for patients with an intracapsular neck of femur fracture fixed with cannulated screws, with minimum one year follow up. Patient records and radiographs were reviewed for clinical and radiographic diagnoses of AVN and/or non-union. Fracture pattern and displacement, screw configuration and reduction techniques were recorded, with radiographs independently analysed by five orthopaedic surgeons. Results. Sixty-five patients were identified, average age of 72 years (range 48–87). Thirty-six patients (55%) sustained displaced fractures and 29 patients (45%) had undisplaced fractures. Two (3%) patients developed AVN, with no cases of fracture non-union. Ten patients (15%) sustained a high-energy injury, though none of these patients developed AVN. Screws configurations were: two (3%) triangle apex-superior, 39 (60%) triangle apex-inferior, 22 (34%) rhomboid and two (3%) other, with nine (14%) cases using washers. All fractures required closed reduction; no open reductions performed. Conclusions. Our observed AVN rate is much lower than widely reported, especially given the proportion of displaced fractures that were fixed. With adequate fixation, even in displaced fracture patterns with imperfect reduction, cannulated screws are an excellent option for intracapsular neck of femur fractures. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Intracapsular neck of femur fractures may be treated with fixation or arthroplasty, depending on fracture characteristics and patient factors. Two common methods of fixation are the sliding hip screw, with or without a de-rotation screw, and cannulated screws. Each has its merits, and to date there is controversy around which method is superior, with either method thought to risk avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) rates in the region of 10–20%. Fixation with cannulated screws may be performed in various ways, with current paucity of evidence to show an optimum technique. There are a multitude of factors which are likely to affect patient outcomes: technique, screw configuration, fracture characteristics and patient factors. We present a retrospective case series analysis of 65 patients who underwent cannulated screw fixation of a hip fracture. Electronic operative records were searched from July 2014 until July 2019 for all patients with a neck of femur fracture fixed with cannulated screws: 68 were found. Three patients were excluded on the basis of them having a pathological fracture secondary to malignancy, cases were followed up for 2 years post-operatively. Electronic patient records and X-rays were reviewed for all included patients. All X-rays were examined by each team member twice, with a time interval of two weeks to improve inter-observer reliability. 65 patients were included with 2:1 female to male ratio and average age of 72 years. 36 patients sustained displaced fractures and 29 undisplaced. Ten patients sustained a high-energy injury, none of which developed AVN. Average time to surgery was 40 hours and 57 patients mobilised on day one post-operatively. All cases used either 7 or 7.3mm partially threaded screws in the following configurations: 2 in triangle apex superior, 39 triangle apex inferior, 22 rhomboid and 2 other, with 9 cases using washers. All reductions were performed closed. Five (8%) of our patients were lost to follow-up as they moved out of area, 48 (74%) had no surgical complications, seven (11%) had mild complications, three (5%) moderate and two (3%) developed AVN. Both of these sustained displaced fractures with low mechanism of injury, were female, ASA 2 and both ex-smokers. One received three screws in apex inferior configuration and one rhomboid, neither fixed with washers. Our AVN rate following intracapsular hip fracture fixation with cannulated screws is much lower than widely accepted. This study is under-powered to comment on factors which may contribute to the development of AVN. However, we can confidently say that our practice has led to low rates of AVN. This may be due to our method of fixation; we use three screws in an apex inferior triangle or four screws in a rhomboid, our consultant-led operations, closed reduction of all fractures, or our operative technique. We pass a short thread cannulated screw across the least comminuted aspect of the fracture first in order to achieve compression, followed by two or three more screws (depending on individual anatomy) to form a stable construct. Our series shows that fixation of intracapsular hip fractures with cannulated screws as we have outlined remains an excellent option. Patients retain their native hip, have a low rate of AVN, and avoid the risks of open reduction

Abstract

In Displaced Intracapsular Hip Fractures (ICHF) in young active patients, preservation of the femoral head and its blood supply are of high importance and urgent surgical treatment with anatomic reduction and internal fixation is the preferred intervention. Due to the strong varus displacement shear forces exerted across the hip, there are relatively high complication rates after fixation. There is no consensus regarding the optimal fixation device or technique. This retrospective study compared closed reduction internal fixation method using cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) with the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) hip fixed angle screw. Data regarding, gender, operational data, duration of surgery, complications, NAS (Numerical Analogue Scale) pain score, Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and SF-12 scores were retrieved for patients younger than 65 with displaced ICHF. Eighty-two patients were included in the study, 30 patients treated with CCS were compared to 52 patients treated with TFN. Fracture configuration (Garden and Pauwel classifications), mean time to surgery and complication rate did not differ significantly. Operative time did differ significantly between groups (CCS 56 minutes, TFN 92 minutes, p<0.001). At final follow-up the CCS group reported less pain (NAS 2.3 vs 3.5, p< 0.049) and better Mental Health Composite score of SF-12 (p=0.017) compared to the TFN group. Complication rates for the treatment of displaced ICHF with TFN and CCS showed no significant differences; however, the functional outcomes, as presented by the NAS and Mental Health Composite score of SF-12, showed superiority for CCS treatment. As this fixation method is related to reduce costs, we suggest CCS for the treatment of displaced ICHF in the young population.

Abstract. Objectives. Hip instability following total hip arthroplasty in treatment of intracapsular neck of femur fractures is reported at 8–11%. Utilising the principle of a small articulation to minimize the problems of wear coupled with a large articulation, dual-mobility total hip arthroplasty prostheses stabilise the hip further than conventional fixed-bearing designs. The aim of this study is to compare the rate of dislocation and complication between standard fixed-bearing and dual-mobility prostheses for the treatment of intracapsular neck of femur fractures. Methods. A four-year retrospective review in a large district general hospital was completed. All cases of intracapsular neck of femur fractures treated with total hip arthroplasty were identified through the theatre logbooks. Patient's operative and clinical notes were retrospectively reviewed to collect data. Results. A total of 91 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty for intracapsular neck of femur fracture in the four-year period. 61.5% were dual-mobility design versus 28.5% had fixed-bearing implants. There were no statistical differences between patient group characteristics. Choice of implant was dependent on surgeon preference. There was a 0.0% dislocation rate in the dual-mobility group versus 8.6% in the fixed-bearing prosthesis group. All dislocations occurred in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with 36.0mm fixed-bearing prosthesis via posterior surgical approach. There was no statistical difference in mortality between both groups. Conclusion. There was an increasing trend of towards the use of dual-mobility prosthesis for fractured neck of femur within this department with excellent outcomes. Dual-mobility designs provide reduced dislocation rates in total hip arthroplasty in intracapsular neck of femur fractures compared to standard fixed-bearing designs at this institution. The authors recommend that all orthopaedic staff consider the use of dual-mobility prostheses in suitable patients and ensure trainees are suitably trained in use of dual-mobility designs. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Neck of femur fractures are a common presentation and certain patients can be managed with a total hip replacement. To receive a total hip replacement the pelvic X-rays should be templated as per AO guidelines and a common way this is performed is by including a calibration marker on the X-ray. The aim of this study is to assess and improve upon the use of the calibration marker. Details of patients admitted with a neck of femur fracture from January 1st 2018 until December 31st 2018 were gathered and used to review each initial X-ray and determine if a calibration marker was included. 376 patients were admitted with a neck of femur fracture over the one year period. 36% of patients did not have a calibration marker on their initial pelvic X-ray and 11% did not have a chest X ray. 215 patients had an intracapsular fracture and 39 went on to have a total hip replacement. 12 patients were lacking a calibration marker on their original X ray and required a repeat X ray. After a poster was placed in the radiographer booth acting as a visual aid, the use of a calibration marker improved from 62% to 70%. Calibration markers are useful tools which can aid the pre-operative planning for hip replacement surgeries shortening operative time, increase precision and reduce prosthetic loosening, lowers the risk of peri-prosthetic fractures, reduce leg length discrepancy and ensure the required implants are available. If a marker is not included on the initial X-rays, and a patient has a neck of femur fracture which requires a joint replacement, they may have to have additional X-rays performed as was the case for 12 patients in this study. This process leads to possible delays in surgery, additional radiation and increased healthcare costs

Background. Intracapsular neck of femur fractures are one of the most common injuries seen in Orthopaedics. When the fracture is amenable to internal fixation there are 2 main treatment options, namely multiple cannulated hip screws (MCS) and 2-hole sliding hip screws (SHS). In this retrospective study we examine the outcomes associated with these two methods of internal fixation. At present there is little consensus regarding which treatment should be used. Methods. 161 patients were found to have suffered intracapsular neck of femur fracture treated with either SHS or MCS fixation over a 5 year period from April 2009 to April 2014, allowing at least 1 year follow up following injury. The patients imaging and clinical notes were then reviewed to ascertain the outcome of their treatment and any complications. Results. 93 patients were treated with a sliding hip screw compared to 68 that had been treated with cannulated screws. To ensure the fractures in each group were comparable in terms of fracture severity they were classified using gardens and pauwels score. The mean age of the group treated with SHS was 75.15 years, 7.69 years higher than those treated with MCS. The mean length of inpatient stay was 4.7 days longer for patients treated with sliding hip screws than those treated with cannulated screws, which is significantly more than would be predicted by age difference alone. Further patients were excluded for analysis of failure rate if they had not been sufficiently followed up, leaving 122 patients, 58 treated with MCS and 64 with SHS. A significantly higher (p=0.0136) proportion of patients treated with SHS (32%) suffered failure of their fixation compared to those treated with MCS (10%). The SHS group was further classified by whether or not a permanent derotation screw was employed. The use of a derotation screw provided protection against failure with a number needed to treat of 3.82, decreasing the failure rate to 14% which was not significantly more than the failure rate for MCS. Conclusions. We recommend that the first choice treatment for intracapsular neck of femur fractures amenable to internal fixation should be cannulated screws due to a lower rate of failure and shorter length of inpatient stay. If a surgeon has a strong preference for sliding hip screw we strongly recommend inserting a permanent derotation screw

Introduction and Objective. Dislocation of a hip hemiarthroplasty is a significant complication with a high mortality rate in elderly patients. Previous studies have shown a higher risk of dislocation in patients with neuromuscular conditions. In this study, we reviewed our larger cohort of patients to identify if there is a link between neuromuscular disorders and dislocation of hip hemiarthroplasty in patients with neuromuscular conditions. Materials and Methods. We have retrospectively analysed a single-centre data that was collected over 34 years for patients with intracapsular neck of femur fracture who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. The study population was composed of four groups: patients with no neuromuscular disorders, patients with Parkinson's disease, patients with previous stroke, and patients with mental impairment. Results. A total of 3827 patients were included in the analysis. 3371 patients had no neuromuscular condition (Group I) with a dislocation rate of 1.1%. 219 patients had Parkinsonism (Group II) with a dislocation rate of 3.2%, 104 patients had a previous stroke with weakness on the fracture side with a dislocation rate of 1.0% (Group III), and 984 patients had severe mental impairment with a dislocation rate of 1.8% (Group IV). The increased dislocation rate for those with Parkinson's disease was statistically significant (p=0.02) while none of the other neuromuscular conditions were statistically significant. Conclusions. Our study has shown an increased risk of dislocation of hemiarthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison to other groups. No increase was apparent for patients with mental impairment or weakness from a previous stroke

Background. The Targon FN plate is a combination of the sliding hip screw and multiple cancellous screws. It is used in the fixation of intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur. The aim of this prospective audit was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of Targon FN. Method. All patients who had a Targon FN fixation over a period of 18 months at a district general hospital were included. A pro forma was completed using medical records, including x-ray images. Results. Thirty-five patients were identified. Median (IQR) age was 73 (57–82). Median (IQR) waiting time for surgery was 27 hours (17–51). Median (IQR) operating time was 58 (50–65) minutes. The patients were followed up at 6, 12 18 and 24 months. Three cases of avascular necrosis were reported and two cases of non-union. Seven cases were found where the Targon FN was not used correctly. No cases of implant failure were reported where the Targon FN was used according to manufacture guidelines. Five revision surgeries took place or were being planned for cases of avascular necrosis, non union and symptomatic hardware. One case was identified which would have been better treated with a hemiarthroplasty than Targon FN. Conclusion. We recommend that the Targon FN plate continue to be used in our department. The success rate of the implant could be improved by educational workshops in our department to ensure that all surgeons adhere strictly to the operating technique described by the manufacturer. We recommend continuing careful selection of patients for Targon FN and to continue a follow up to 24 months

It is widely accepted that a tip apex distance of greater than 25mm is associated with dynamic hip screw (DHS) failure and cut-out. The aim was to devise an accurate and easy method for calculation of DHS tip apex distance (TAD) from intraoperative imaging using the tools available on Kodac Picture Archiving and Communications System. This method was applied to all patients treated with a DHS for intertrochanteric hip fracture during a six month period. Any subsequent radiographs were assessed for evidence of failure within 18 months. The TAD was calculated using a modification of a previously described method using a similar imaging system (Johnston et al, Injury 2008) which has been shown to be accurate and reproducible. Scaling was based on the 12.5mm thread diameter of all Synthes (Switzerland) DHS screws. 60 patients underwent a DHS during the study. Nine patients were excluded who had an additional method of fixation or an intracapsular fracture. Four patients had insufficient xrays for analysis. Data was gathered for 47 patients and showed a mean TAD of 17mm (range 8.2–30.6mm). Three patients had a TAD greater than 25mm. 22 patients had a post-operative xray within 18 months. There were two cut-outs identified and both were from patients with a TAD of greater than 25mm (25.7 and 30.6mm). No incidences of implant failure or complications were identified for patients with acceptable TADs. 93.6% of screws were therefore inserted satisfactorily. Two out of the three patients with a TAD greater than 25mm had xray evidence of screw cut-out. This study supports previous evidence that a DHS lag screw should be positioned with a TAD within 25mm and a distance greater than this is associated with screw cut-out. TAD can be easily calculated using intraoperative xrays and scaled using the screw itself

Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) is one of the most common implants used for treating displaced intracapsular hip fractures in the UK. We previously performed a radiographic audit of these implants which showed good placement was difficult. This was in particular relation to leg length discrepancy (LLD). This study reviewed the clinical outcomes of these patients, in particular looking at the relation of leg length discrepancy to outcome. We performed a clinical review of patients at 3 months and 1 year post ETS for hip fracture. Oxford hip score (OHS), Trendelenberg test, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and walking aids required were recorded. Leg length discrepancy was determined radiographically on initial post op X-ray. This was recorded as Even (+/− 5mm), 6-10mm Long and >10mm long. Seventy-two patients were reviewed at 3 months and 21 at 1 year. Mean VAS was 1.6. At 3 months 66% were Trendelenberg positive. Of those Trendelenberg positive at 3 months only 42% remained positive at 1 year. Mean OHS at 3months and 1 year was 30.8 and 32.1 respectively. On radiographic review 38 implants were Even, 24 were 6-10mm Long and 10 implants were >10mm Long. There was no correlation between leg length discrepancy and either VAS or Trendelenberg test. 45 patients ambulated independently pre-op. Of these only 8 ambulated independently post-op, 18 used a stick and 11 a Zimmer frame. There was no correlation between post operative leg length discrepancy and either Visual Analogue Score, OHS or Trendelenberg test. Mean pain score was very low. There was however almost 10% of patients with a VAS greater than 6. 80% of patients dropped one ambulatory level post-op, this is consistent with previous studies. The ETS provides good pain relief with a low complication rate in the vast majority of patients

Objectives

Bisphosphonates (BP) are the first-line treatment for preventing fragility fractures. However, concern regarding their efficacy is growing because bisphosphonate is associated with over-suppression of remodelling and accumulation of microcracks. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning may show a gain in bone density, the impact of this class of drug on mechanical properties remains unclear. We therefore sought to quantify the mechanical strength of bone treated with BP (oral alendronate), and correlate data with the microarchitecture and density of microcracks in comparison with untreated controls.

In spite of extensive accounts describing the blood supply to the femoral head, the prediction of avascular necrosis is elusive. Current opinion emphasises the contributions of the superior retinacular artery but may not explain the clinical outcome in many situations, including intramedullary nailing of the femur and resurfacing of the hip. We considered that significant additional contribution to the vascularity of the femoral head may exist. A total of 14 fresh-frozen hips were dissected and the medial circumflex femoral artery was cannulated in the femoral triangle. On the test side, this vessel was ligated, with the femoral head receiving its blood supply from the inferior vincular artery alone. Gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI was then performed simultaneously on both control and test specimens. Polyurethane was injected, and gross dissection of the specimens was performed to confirm the extraosseous anatomy and the injection of contrast. The inferior vincular artery was found in every specimen and had a significant contribution to the vascularity of the femoral head. The head was divided into four quadrants: medial (0), superior (1), lateral (2) and inferior (3). In our study specimens the inferior vincular artery contributed a mean of 56% (25% to 90%) of blood flow in quadrant 0, 34% (14% to 80%) of quadrant 1, 37% (18% to 48%) of quadrant 2 and 68% (20% to 98%) in quadrant 3. Extensive intra-osseous anastomoses existed between the superior retinacular arteries, the inferior vincular artery and the subfoveal plexus.