Nailing intertrochanteric fractures in geriatric population: Do we know it all?

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pertrochanteric fractures constitute an important part of the daily activity of the orthopedic surgeon. The aim of this study was to carry out an analysis of pre-, intra- and post-operative radiographic parameters and to analyze the results of stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with short nails with dynamic distal locking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study in our center, between the years 2017-2021 of patients over 65 years of age with pertrochanteric fracture. We included 272 patients treated with Gamma3 Nail (Stryker®) with dynamic distal locking. As variables, we recorded age, medical comorbidities, fracture pattern according to AO/OTA, osteopenia according to Singh's classification, pre-operative (such as diaphyseal extension), intra-operative (such as tip-to-the-apex or medial cortical support) and post-operative radiographic parameters (such as time to consolidation or loss of reduction), pre- and post-operative Barthel, quality of life and complications and reinterventions, such as non-union or cut-out. RESULTS: The mean age was 83.28 years (65-102). Two hundred four cases were women (75%). The average follow-up was 18.2 months (12-24). The distribution according to AO/OTA classification was 85.7% 31.A1; 12.5% 31.A2; 1.9% 31.A3. Radiographic consolidation was obtained in 97.4% of cases. Tip to apex distance was less than 25mm in 95.6% of cases. Medial cortical support was positive or neutral in 88.6% of cases. Sixty cases (22.1%) of screw back-out were recorded. Eight reinterventions (2.9%) were performed, corresponding to three cut-outs (1.1%), three non-unions (1.1%), one avascular necrosis (0.4%) and one secondary hip osteoarthritis (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Short nail with dynamic distal locking offers good clinical, radiological and functional results in all types of AO/OTA patterns, without increasing the complication rate, as long as there is an appropriate tip-to-the-apex distance and good medial cortical support.