RESUMEN
PURPOSE: It is crucially important to optimise functional outcome after fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures. While a number of risk factors that predict a poor clinical course have been identified, the influence of pre-existing radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is unclear. METHODS: The influence of pre-existing radiographic OA of the hip on short- to mid-term functional outcome was prospectively analysed in a cohort of patients undergoing proximal femoral nailing for trochanteric fracture. OA was graded according to Kellgren and Lawrence; functional outcome was assessed at six and 12 months by the Harris hip score (HHS), the timed up and go (TUG) test and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: Our cohort comprised 188 patients (58 were male and 130 female), with a mean age of 82 years. At six and 12 months postoperatively, the HHS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively) and Barthel Index (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) correlated significantly with the grade of pre-existing OA. After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a significant association between the grade of pre-existing OA and the HHS at six months (p = 0.02). Although we observed trends suggestive of other relationships, none reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing radiographic OA of the hip is an important determinant of clinical outcome in elderly patients with a trochanteric femoral fracture. Further studies will be needed to establish the most effective means of restoring hip function after trochanteric femoral fracture in patients with radiographic OA of the hip.