Impact of operative position on rotational alignment after intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures: a comparative analysis of lateral decubitus versus supine position.

BACKGROUND: Fixation of trochanteric fractures with an intramedullary nail in a non-physiological position can cause poor functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intraoperative patient position on rotational alignment in intramedullary nail fixation of trochanteric fractures. METHODS: The femoral rotational alignment of 84 trochanteric fracture patients who underwent intramedullary nailing was measured by computed tomography (CT) images. Patients were divided into two groups: the supine position on the fracture table (FT) (Group 1, n = 42) and the lateral decubitus (LD) position (Group 2, n = 42). Femoral malrotation angles were measured and divided into three subgroups: insignificant, significant, and excessive. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images, preparation time, surgery time, and anesthesia time in both groups were compared. RESULTS: The malrotation degrees of patients in Group 1 ranged from 17° external rotation (ER) to 57° internal rotation (IR), with a mean of 10° IR. Of the patients in Group 1, 27 were insignificant, 5 were significant, and 10 were in the excessive subgroup. The malrotation degrees of patients in Group 2 ranged from 33° ER to 47° IR, with a mean of 11° IR. Of the patients in Group 2, 21 were insignificant, 12 were significant, and 9 were in the excessive subgroup. There was no statistically significant relationship between patient position and malrotation angle. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images, preparation time, and anesthesia time were statistically lower in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of surgery time. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing in the LD position is a reliable and practical surgical method in the treatment of femoral trochanteric fractures since there is no need for the use of a FT, the surgeon is exposed to less radiation, there is no risk of complications related to the traction of the FT, and there is a shorter operation time.

Improving agreement in assessing subtrochanteric fracture healing among orthopedic surgeons using the Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH).

BACKGROUND: Prompt identification of fracture healing is crucial for medical decision-making and clinical research. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH) in subtrochanteric fractures and determine the optimal scoring threshold for fracture healing. METHODS: We obtained 94 sets of X-ray films from the postoperative follow-up of 35 patients who underwent intramedullary nail fixation for subtrochanteric fractures. Six orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated the imaging data and determined fracture healing based on subjective judgment. They then scored the X-ray images using the RUSH form. After four weeks, the same observers re-evaluated 47 randomly selected sets of radiographs. Subsequently, the observers and study designer conducted a consensus meeting where they agreed on whether the fractures had healed. We used Fleiss kappa to evaluate agreement among observers based on subjective impressions, and the intraclass correlation coefficient assessed RUSH score consistency. Regression analysis examined the relationship between scores and fracture healing consensus using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Based on overall impressions, the agreement level among orthopedic trauma surgeons for determining the healing status of subtrochanteric fractures was moderate (Kappa = 0.564, 95% CI: 0.511-0.616). However, utilizing the RUSH scoring system can improve the consistency to a substantial level of agreement (ICC = 0.748, 95% CI: 0.663-0.817). Regarding intraobserver reliability, there were significant differences among orthopedic trauma surgeons in judging fracture healing based on overall impressions. However, using the RUSH scoring form, the attending group achieved better intraobserver consistency than the resident group. Regression analysis and ROC curve analysis revealed a strong correlation between the RUSH total score, cortical bone score, cancellous bone score, and consensus on fracture healing. The AUC values are 0.769 (95% CI: 0.670-0.868), 0.779 (95% CI: 0.681-0.876), and 0.771 (95% CI: 0.674-0.867), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the effectiveness of the RUSH scoring system in enhancing interobserver agreement and intraobserver consistency when evaluating subtrochanteric fracture healing in orthopedic trauma surgeons. We propose setting 21 points as the threshold for the simplified RUSH scoring system to determine fracture healing. This system includes only eight items related to cortical bone, with a total score of 24 points.

Comparative analysis of radiological outcomes among cephalomedullary nails: helical, screw and winged screw.

Objective: Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are implants with a high success rate in the surgical treatment of trochanteric fractures. The aim of this study is to compare the radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of femoral trochanteric fractures treated with three different CMNs. Methods: Intertrochanteric fractures in patients aged 50 years and older treated with CMN between January 2016 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 158 cases meeting the criteria were included to final analysis. Cases were divided into three groups based on the type of nail used (helical blade: group 1, n = 54; screw: group 2, n = 53; winged screw: group 3, n = 51). Demographic characteristics, mechanical complications, reduction quality, tip-apex distances (TAD) and Cleveland zones were compared between the groups. Femoral neck shortening, varus collapse, lag sliding, changes in abductor length were compared between study groups. Factors affecting mechanical complications were also analyzed. Results: Study groups were homogenic in terms of demographic characteristics, fracture type and reduction quality. Regarding mechanical complications, no statistically significant difference was found between groups. All three implants had similar outcomes on femoral neck shortening, varus collapse and lag sliding. Pooled analysis of 158 cases showed that mechanical complications increase as the quality of reduction decreases (p = 0.000) same applies when TAD alters from the desired range (p = 0.025) and with non-optimally implanted blade according to Cleveland zones (p = 0, 000). Conclusion: The radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of helical blade, screw type blade and winged screw type blade proximal femoral nails are similar in selected group. Regardless of the device type, it is necessary to obtain high reduction quality, obtain TAD within described range and optimally place the blade according to Cleveland Zones to reduce the failure rate and avoid complications.

[Standard radiographic images in cephalomedullary nailing fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures].

Objective: To review and summarize the projections of radiographic images during cephalomedullary nailing fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures, and to propose a set of three projections as standard requirement in immediate postoperative fluoroscopy. Methods: Papers on intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing fixation that published in a three-year period of 2021-2023 in four leading English orthopedic trauma journals were searched in PubMed. The presented radiographic pictures were identified and scrutinized as whether they were in standard anteroposterior and/or lateral projections of the implanted nails. The nonstandard presence percentage was calculated. Combined with clinical experience, the standard anteroposterior and lateral perspective images of femoral neck, the current situation of radiographic imaging in the operation of cephalomedullary nails, the literature analysis of nonstandard images, the impact of limb rotation on image interpretation, and the characteristics of anteromedial 30° oblique perspective were summarized and analyzed. Results: The presence of nonstandard radiographic pictures is 32.1% in anteroposterior view and 69.2% in lateral view in leading orthopedic trauma journals. In cephalomedullary nailing fixation operation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures, it is reasonable to use the radiographic images of the implanted nails to represent the fractured head-neck, as the head-neck implant (lag screw or helical blade) is aimed to put into centrally in femoral head in lateral projection. Limb rotation or nonstandard projections produced distortion of images, which interfers the surgeons' judgement of fracture reduction quality and the measurement of implant position parameters in femoral head (such as neck-shaft angle and tip-apex distance), and finally lead to a meaningless comparison with the accurate normal value. The 30° anteromedial oblique view from the true lateral (set as 0°) is a tangential projection of the cortices at the anteromedial inferior corner, which gives a clear profile for the determination of cortical apposition status and mechanical support. It is essential to get firstly the true standard lateral fluoroscopy of the nail (shown as a line), then rotate the C-arm to 90° and 30° to get anteroposterior and anteromedial oblique views, and use these three immediate postoperative radiographies as the baseline for evaluation of operative quality and follow-up comparisons. Conclusion: As for real-time monitoring of surgical steps, intraoperative fluoroscopy follows the "Enough is Good" principle, but as for immediate postoperative data storage and basis for operative quality evaluation and baseline for follow-up comparison, it is recommended to obtain a set of three standard radiographic pictures in anteroposterior, true lateral, and 30° anteromedial oblique fluoroscopic projections.

Treatment outcomes of concomitant ipsilateral neck and trochanteric fractures using Gamma3 nails with U-blade lag screws.

This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of Gamma3 nails fitted with U-blade lag screws in the management of combined neck and trochanter fracture of the femur. Two hundred-fifty patients with fractures in the proximal femur underwent treatment using Gamma3 nails integrated with U-blade lag screws from 2015 to 2022. Among these cases, 33 had combined neck and trochanteric fractures; 8 patients were excluded because of follow-up for <1 year. The remaining data of 25 patients (7 males and 18 females) were reviewed. Bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), tip-apex distance (TAD), extent of lag screw migration, femoral neck-shaft angle, callus formation, fracture type, and treatment failure were analyzed. The mean patient age was 76.3 (range, 61-91) years, and the mean follow-up duration was 17.3 (range, 12.5-57.3) months. The mean BMD T-scores for the spine and femoral neck were -2.3 ± 1.0 and -2.8 ± 0.7, respectively; 18 patients had T-scores ≤-2.5, indicating osteoporosis. The mean BMI was 23.2 ± 3.8 kg/m2 , and the mean operative time was 69.8 (range, 45-90) minutes. Twenty-one patients experienced injuries from slipping, 2 sustained injuries from falling, and 2 from car traffic accidents. The mean TAD was 21.6 ± 5.9 mm, with 16 patients showing <25 mm. The mean extent of lag screw migration was 5.7 ± 5.1 mm. The mean femoral neck-shaft angle on plain radiographs was 125.1 ± 8.6 degrees immediately postoperatively and 120.3 ± 9.5 degrees at the final follow-up. During the follow-up period, the first callus formation was observed at 3.8 months (range, 1.4-7.3) on plain radiographs in the anteroposterior and axial views. Based on our fracture criteria, 4 patients had a two-part fracture type, 12 patients had three-part, and 9 patients had four-part. Out of 25 patients, 3 exhibited treatment failure. No significant differences were observed between the groups with and without bone union regarding age, BMD, BMI, operative time, TAD of the lag screw, extent of lag screw migration, and femoral neck-shaft angle. The bone union was achieved in 88% of patients who underwent treatment utilizing the U-blade Gamma3 nail for concomitant ipsilateral neck and trochanteric fractures. Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Pathoanatomy and pathomechanics of pertrochanteric fractures - an MRI study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used for more than 20 years in the region of the proximal femur to diagnose occult, or incomplete, fractures of the femoral neck and the trochanteric segment. MRI has also potential to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis and pathoanatomy of trochanteric fractures. METHODS: The group including 13 patients was examined by MRI for a suspected, or incomplete, fracture of the trochanteric segment within 24 hours post-injury. In all cases, this was the first injury to the hip joint, with the other hip joint remaining intact. RESULTS: The coronal scans showed a marked fracture line which, in the region of the intertrochanteric line, extended from the base of the greater trochanter (GT) medially and distally and involved the medial cortex. This inclination, however, was gradually changing posteriorwards and close before the posterior cortex. The fracture line was passing vertically along the lateral trochanteric wall as far as the level of the lesser trochanter (LT). Then the fracture line changed its course and ran horizontally to the cortex of the LT. Sagittal scans showed clearly the primary fracture line originating in the greater trochanter, extending medially and starting to separate the posterior cortex. CONCLUSION: Analysis of MRI findings has documented that the primary fracture line in pertrochanteric fractures originates in the GT and extends distally, medially and anteriorly towards the anterior cortex, the intertrochanteric line and the LT. Thus, the GT presents a rather vulnerable site and is always broken into more fragments than shown by a radiograph.

Disparities in Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scan Utilization Across Race/Ethnic Groups Before and After Hip Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric hip fractures are common and important sentinel events regarding bone health. Although dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are a standard method for determining bone density, differences in use among various race/ethnic groups around the time of hip fracture may reveal disparities within the healthcare system. METHODS: The 2014 to 2016 Medicare Standard Analytic Files PearlDiver data set was used to identify geriatric patients sustaining hip fracture. From that cohort, those who had a DEXA scan before or after their fracture were defined. For the defined cohorts, patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, race/ethnicity, and income (based on zip code) were defined and compared with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of 58,099 hip fracture patients, only 19.8% had had a DEXA scan before fracture and 3.9% of the remaining group had the DEXA scan after fracture. Of the hip fracture population, 91.0% identified as White and 9.0% as non-White (Native American, Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Other). Before hip fracture, controlling for other variables and compared with White patients, all non-White categories were at lesser odds of having had the DEXA scan. After hip fracture, Black, Hispanic, and other patients were also at lesser odds of having the DEXA scan. DISCUSSION: Using a large Medicare data set, controlling for patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and income marker, this study revealed disparities in DEXA scan utilization across race/ethnic groups before and after presenting with a hip fragility fracture. Identification of such disparities highlights the needs for improved medical access and care for this at-risk hip fracture population.

Combined Irreducible Femoral Head Fracture-Dislocation and Ipsilateral Segmental Femur Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: A 48-year-old man presented to a Level 1 trauma center after a motor vehicle crash with a right irreducible posterior hip dislocation and ipsilateral fractures of the femoral head and segmental femur shaft. This injury was managed with open reduction and internal fixation and antegrade intramedullary nailing. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a combined irreducible femoral head fracture-dislocation and a segmental femur fracture, a rare injury that requires a stepwise approach to operative management of each injury. Surgeons must recognize the clinical and radiographic findings associated with irreducible hip dislocations in the setting of ipsilateral fractures to the femoral head and shaft.

The effect of anterior support screw (AS2) in unstable femoral trochanteric fractures: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to verify the effectiveness of Anterior Support Screw (AS2) for unstable femoral trochanteric fractures. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial SETTING: This study was conducted across 15 academic medical centers in Japan PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 240 cases of femoral trochanteric fractures with posterior crushing and intramedullary displacement of proximal bone fragments across 15 institutions in Japan. INTERVENTION: All patients were subjected to a reduction in which the anterior cortex was brought into contact. The patients were randomly assigned to the anterior support screw group (AS2 group) and the non-screw group (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Two computed-tomography (CT) scans were taken immediately after surgery and early postoperative period (day 14-21) to investigate the reduction loss rate of the anterior cortex and sliding distances in the early postoperative period. RESULTS: The reduction loss rate was 4.5 % in the AS2 group and 16.8 % in the control group, indicating a significantly lower reduction loss rate in the AS2 group (p = 0.003). The average sliding distance was 1.8 mm in the AS2 group and 2.8 mm in the control group, indicating a significantly shorter sliding distance in the AS2 group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adding a screw in front of the intramedullary nail significantly reduces reduction loss, and maintains anterior bony contact. This study also showed that these screws suppress the sliding distance during the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I.

A retrospective evaluation of individual thigh muscle volume disparities based on hip fracture types in followed-up patients: an AI-based segmentation approach using UNETR.

Background: Hip fractures are a common and debilitating condition, particularly among older adults. Loss of muscle mass and strength is a common consequence of hip fractures, which further contribute to functional decline and increased disability. Assessing changes in individual thigh muscles volume in follow-up patients can provide valuable insights into the quantitative recovery process and guide rehabilitation interventions. However, accurately measuring anatomical individual thigh muscle volume can be challenging due to various, labor intensive and time-consuming. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to evaluate differences in thigh muscle volume in followed-up hip fracture patients computed tomography (CT) scans using an AI based automatic muscle segmentation model. The study included a total of 18 patients at Gyeongsang National University, who had undergone surgical treatment for a hip fracture. We utilized the automatic segmentation algorithm which we have already developed using UNETR (U-net Transformer) architecture, performance dice score = 0.84, relative absolute volume difference 0.019 ± 0.017%. Results: The results revealed intertrochanteric fractures result in more significant muscle volume loss (females: -97.4 cm3, males: -178.2 cm3) compared to femoral neck fractures (females: -83 cm3, males: -147.2 cm3). Additionally, the study uncovered substantial disparities in the susceptibility to volume loss among specific thigh muscles, including the Vastus lateralis, Adductor longus and brevis, and Gluteus maximus, particularly in cases of intertrochanteric fractures. Conclusions: The use of an automatic muscle segmentation model based on deep learning algorithms enables efficient and accurate analysis of thigh muscle volume differences in followed up hip fracture patients. Our findings emphasize the significant muscle loss tied to sarcopenia, a critical condition among the elderly. Intertrochanteric fractures resulted in greater muscle volume deformities, especially in key muscle groups, across both genders. Notably, while most muscles exhibited volume reduction following hip fractures, the sartorius, vastus and gluteus groups demonstrated more significant disparities in individuals who sustained intertrochanteric fractures. This non-invasive approach provides valuable insights into the extent of muscle atrophy following hip fracture and can inform targeted rehabilitation interventions.

Association between physical function and parameters of hip structural analysis in patients with hip fracture.

OBJECTIVES: The current study sought to investigate whether physical function and activity were associated with hip structural analysis (HSA) parameters on the non-fracture side of patients with hip fractures. METHODS: Participants were patients with unilateral hip fracture treated by surgery. HSA of the proximal femur was conducted based on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry data. HSA parameters in the narrow neck region included cross-sectional area (CSA), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), section modulus (SM), and buckling ratio (BR). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of HSA. RESULTS: Except for the adjustment variables, age, gender and BMI, other variables were extracted. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (standardised partial regression coefficients) identified movement control during one-leg standing on the non-fractured side (0.15) as factors associated with CSA. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (standardised partial regression coefficients) identified hand grip (0.12, 0.23) as factors associated with CSMI and SM, respectively. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (standardised partial regression coefficients) identified presence of steroid (0.23) and cerebrovascular disease (0.19) as factors associated with BR. The coefficients of determination adjusted for degrees of freedom (R2) were 0.545, 0.331, 0.401, and 0.148 for CSA, CSMI, SM, and BR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that movement control during 1-leg standing and muscle strength may be important for maintaining and improving bone strength.

Lateral femoral wall thickness in trochanteric hip fractures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Thin lateral femoral wall has been investigated as a sign of instability in trochanteric hip fractures, necessitating lateral wall reconstruction or the use of a cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Various cut-off values have been proposed to guide implant choice. This review aims to determine the clinical significance of the lateral femoral wall thickness (LWT) in trochanteric hip fractures and identify an optimal cut-off value for increased risk of lateral wall (LW) fracture when using Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library up to July 2023. A predefined strategy was employed, with 5 eligible studies critically appraised using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Outcomes assessed encompassed the standardised mean difference (SMD) of LWT between the LW fracture and non LW fracture groups, aggregate LWT mean in LW fracture group, and the relation between AO/OTA fracture type with LW fracture utilising the chi-square test. RESULTS: Among 481 patients from 5 studies, 112 experienced LW fractures, while 369 did not postoperatively. Analysis indicated a significantly lower LWT in the LW fracture group (SMD -1.13, I² = 41.3%, p = 0.146). The mean LWT in the LW fracture group was 18.2 mm, with a 95% confidence interval of 17.29-19.10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative thin lateral femoral wall is a critical predictor of fixation failure and suboptimal functional outcomes when using a DHS. Thorough evaluation of pre- and intraoperative x-rays is essential. CMN is recommended over DHS in cases with LWT measurements <19 mm.

Male-female spatio-temporal differences of age-related bone changes show faster bone deterioration in older women at femoral regions associated with incident hip fracture.

A better understanding of how age-related bone loss affects the fracture-prone regions of the proximal femur could lead to more informed fracture-prevention strategies. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of bone deterioration in older men and women with aging. A subset of 305 men (74.87 ± 4.76 years; mean ± SD) and 371 age-matched women (74.84 ± 4.71 years) with no history of fracture was randomly selected from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik study. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans of the left proximal femur obtained at baseline and at 5.2 ± 0.4 years follow-up were processed to assess local changes in volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), cortical bone thickness (Ct.Th), and internal bone structure using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), surface-based statistical parametric mapping (surf-SPM), and tensor-based morphometry (TBM). Local parametric changes within each sex and sex differences in these changes were statistically assessed using linear mixed effects models allowing for baseline and time-varying covariates, yielding Student's t-test and p-value statistical maps of the proximal femur. The statistical maps indicated regions with significant parametric changes in each sex and with significant different parametric changes between older men and older women with aging. Older women manifested significantly larger losses in vBMD, (Ct.Th), and structure than older men, and they did so in regions where deficiency in these parameters has been associated with incident hip fracture. Using longitudinal QCT scans of the proximal femur and Computational Anatomy, we provided new insights into the higher fracture rates of the proximal femur in older women compared with men of similar age providing new information on the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Retinal imaging with hand-held optical coherence tomography in older people with or without postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery: A feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative delirium in older people may result from the interaction between intrinsic brain vulnerability (e.g. neurodegeneration) and precipitating factors (e.g. surgery induced cytokines). Intrinsic brain vulnerability may be overt (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) or preclinical. In cognitively intact older people presenting for surgery, identification of preclinical neurodegeneration using bedside tools could aid postoperative delirium risk stratification. Thinning of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness is associated with neurodegenerative disorders e.g. Alzheimer's disease. We propose that thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer may be present some older people with postoperative delirium due to preclinical neurodegeneration, albeit to a lesser extent than in overt dementia. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective: Feasibility of acquiring usable retinal images with the hand-held optical coherence device, at the bedside of older, hip fracture surgery patients. Secondary objective: Comparison of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness between people who did/did not have postoperative delirium. Proportion of exclusions due to retinal pathology. METHOD: Feasibility study involving 30, cognitively intact, older people recovering from hip fracture surgery. Retinal images were obtained using the hand-held optical coherence tomography device at the participants' bedside. Imaging was deferred in participants who had postoperative delirium. RESULTS: Retinal images that could be assessed for circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness were obtained in 26 participants (22 no postoperative delirium, 4 postoperative delirium). The mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was lower in the participants who had postoperative delirium compared to those who did not experience postoperative delirium (Mean (95% CI) of 76.50 (62.60-90.40) vs 89.19 (85.41-92.97) respectively). CONCLUSION: Retinal imaging at the patient's bedside, using hand-held OCT is feasible. Our data suggests that the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer may be thinner in older people who experience postoperative delirium compared to those who do not. Further studies are required.

Finite element analysis of hip fracture risk in elderly female: The effects of soft tissue shape, fall direction, and interventions.

This study investigates the effects of fall configurations on hip fracture risk with a focus on pelvic soft tissue shape. This was done by employing a whole-body finite element (FE) model. Soft tissue thickness around the pelvis was measured using a standing CT system, revealing a trend of increased trochanteric soft tissue thickness with higher BMI and younger age. In the lateroposterior region from the greater trochanter, the soft tissues of elderly females were thin with a concave shape. Based on the THUMS 5F model, an elderly female FE model with a low BMI was developed by morphing the soft tissue shape around the pelvis based on the CT data. FE simulation results indicated that the lateroposterior fall led to a higher femoral neck force for the elderly female model compared to the lateral fall. One reason may be related to the thin soft tissue of the pelvis in the lateroposterior region. Additionally, the effectiveness of interventions that can help mitigating hip fractures in lateroposterior falls on the thigh-hip and hip region was assessed using the elderly female model. The attenuation rate of the femoral neck force by the hip protector was close to zero in the thigh-hip fall and high in the hip fall, whereas the attenuation rate of the compliant floor was high in both falls. This study highlights age-related changes in the soft tissue shape of the pelvis in females, particularly in the lateroposterior regions, which may influence force mitigation for the hip joint during lateroposterior falls.

Femoral Head Fractures: Evaluation, Management, and Outcomes.

Fractures of the femoral head typically occur after high-energy trauma. Radiographs and cross-sectional imaging are used to appropriately classify and identify associated injuries or morphologic characteristics that may influence management. Identification of the radiographic and clinical hallmarks of an irreducible variant is critical to optimizing the patient's outcome. Nonsurgical treatment can be used in the setting of small, infrafoveal femoral head fractures without hip instability. When surgical treatment is indicated, an anterior (Smith-Petersen), posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck), or surgical hip dislocation approach may be used depending on injury details and surgeon preference. The purpose of this review was to summarize current evidence on femoral head fractures regarding indications, variant patterns, surgical approaches, and outcomes.

The "foothill" entry for cephalomedullary nailing in unstable proximal femoral fractures: a technical note with a review of the literature.

Cephalomedullary nailing for unstable proximal femoral fractures is widely utilized, especially for geriatric osteoporotic fractures. There are two starting points for entry, namely trochanteric tip entry and pyriformis fossa entry, both have advantages and disadvantages, the tip of the greater trochanter seems that it is not the ideal starting point for trochanteric entry nails, the study presents the foothill entry point as a reproducible, technically feasible entry point to overcome the shortcoming of both standard starting points, and it could be easy executed with clear intraoperative fluoroscopic landmarks and lead to appropriate nail position without intraoperative complications.

Outcomes of Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty for Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture of the Femoral Head.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes, radiologic results, and complications after hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) of the femoral head. Methods: From June 2009 to December 2020, among 985 patients who underwent hybrid THA at our hospital, 19 patients diagnosed with SIF through a retrospective chart review were included. Those under 50 years of age, with radiographic findings of osteonecrosis on the contralateral side of surgery, a history of organ transplantation, and alcohol abuse, were excluded. Functional evaluation was performed using a modified Harris Hip Score (HHS). After surgery, inclination and anteversion of the acetabular cup and version of the femoral system were measured using postoperative x-ray. The outpatient follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 9 months, and 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter. Complications including dislocation, implant loosening, stem subsidence, and periprosthetic infection were observed on follow-up radiographs. Results: The average follow-up time was 29.3 ± 9.1 months (range, 24-64 months) with no loss to follow-up. The mean modified HHS was 83.4 ± 9.6 (range, 65-100) at the last outpatient clinic follow-up. The average inclination of the acetabular cup was 41.9° ± 3.4° (range, 37°-48°), and the anteversion was 27.5° ± 6.7° (range, 18°-39°). The version of the femoral stem was 19° ± 5.7° (range, 12°-29°). There was no case of intraoperative fracture. There were no cases of dislocation, loosening of the cup, subsidence of the femoral stem, intraoperative or periprosthetic fracture, or periprosthetic infection on the follow-up radiographs. Conclusions: In our study, hybrid THA showed favorable outcomes in patients diagnosed with SIF, and there were no further special considerations as for THA performed due to other diseases or fractures.

Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures: The Association Between Obesity and Perioperative, Clinical, and Radiographic Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between obesity and treatment approaches, perioperative factors, and clinical and radiographic outcomes following subtrochanteric fracture fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort. SETTING: Academic Medical Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients operatively treated for an AO/OTA 32Axa, 32Bxa, or 32Cxa subtrochanteric femur fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Injury characteristics, perioperative parameters, fixation information, postoperative complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. Univariate analyses were conducted between the obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and the nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) cohorts. Regression analyses were performed to assess BMI as a continuous variable. RESULTS: Of 230 operatively treated subtrochanteric fracture patients identified, 49 (21%) were obese and 181 (79%) were nonobese. The average age of the obese cohort was 69.6 ± 17.2 years, with 16 (33%) male and 33 (77%) female. The average age of the nonobese cohort was 71.8 ± 19.2 years, with 60 (33%) male and 121 (77%) female. Aside from BMI, there were no significant differences in demographics between the obese and nonobese (age [P = 0.465], sex [P = 0.948], American Society of Anesthesiology Score [P = 0.739]). Both cohorts demonstrated similar injury characteristics including mechanism of injury, atypical fracture type, and AO/OTA fracture pattern (32A, 32B, 32C). Obese patients underwent more open reduction procedures (59% open obese, 11% open nonobese, P < 0.001), a finding further quantified by a 24% increased likelihood of open reduction for every 1 unit increase in BMI (OR: 1.2, 95% CI, 1.2-1.3, P < 0.001). There was no difference in average nail diameter, 1 versus 2-screw nail design, or number of locking screws placed. The obese cohort was operated more frequently on a fracture table (P < 0.001) when compared with the nonobese cohort that was operated more frequently on a flat table (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences (P > 0.050) in postoperative complications, mortality/readmission rates, hospital quality measures, fixation failure, or time to bone healing. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of subtrochanteric fractures in obese patients is associated with a higher likelihood of surgeons opting for open fracture reduction and the use of different operating room table types, but no difference was observed in postoperative complications, mortality or readmission rates, or healing timeline when compared with nonobese patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.