The Intermalleolar Method for Intraoperative Rotational Assessment of the Tibia-A Prospective Clinical Validation Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy of the intermalleolar method, an intraoperative fluoroscopic method for assessing tibial rotation in patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation for tibial shaft fractures, by comparing it with the gold standard computed tomography (CT). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Consecutive patients, aged 18 years and older, with unilateral tibial shaft fractures who underwent intramedullary fixation from September 2021 to January 2023. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Intraoperatively, tibial rotation measurements were obtained using the intermalleolar method on both the uninjured and injured limbs. Postoperatively, patients underwent bilateral low-dose lower extremity rotational CT scans. CT measurements were made by 4 blinded observers. Mean absolute rotational differences and standard errors were calculated to compare the injured and uninjured limbs. Subgroup analysis was performed assessing accuracy relating to injured versus uninjured limbs, body mass index, OTA/AO fracture pattern, tibial and fibular fracture location, and distal articular fracture extension requiring fixation. RESULTS: Of the 20 tibia fractures, the mean patient age was 43.4 years. The intermalleolar method had a mean absolute rotational difference of 5.1 degrees (standard error 0.6, range 0-13.7) compared with CT. Sixty percent (24/40) of the measurements were within 5 degrees, 90% (36/40) of the measurements were within 10 degrees, and 100% (40/40) were within 15 degrees of the CT. No patients were revised for malrotation postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The intermalleolar method is accurate and consistently provides intraoperative tibial rotation measurements within 10 degrees of the mean CT measurement for adult patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation for unilateral tibial shaft fractures. This method may be employed in the operating room to accurately quantify tibial rotation and assist with intraoperative rotational corrections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes of Nonoperatively Treated Vancouver B1 Fractures: Is Failure Common?

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFx) are a severe complication of total hip and hemiarthroplasty. Surgical treatment is typically performed but can result in major morbidity. Nonoperative PPFx management may provide a successful treatment alternative in select patients. METHODS: Vancouver B1 PPFx patients treated over a 10-year period were identified. Patient demographic data were retrospectively recorded. Injury and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. There were 48 patients who met the study criteria. Patients were divided into operative and nonoperative comparative cohorts. Outcome comparisons between the 2 cohorts included 1-year mortality, unplanned surgery within 24 months of injury, fracture union rate, and return to preinjury ambulation status. RESULTS: There was no difference in 1-year mortality between the nonoperative and operative cohorts (17 versus 8%; P = .32). We found no significant difference in unplanned surgery between the nonoperative and operative groups (8.7 versus 12%; P = .71), fracture union (100 versus 96%, P = .34), or return to ambulation status (86 versus 91%; P = .86). Nonoperative fractures were minimally displaced and within the metaphyseal region of the proximal femur without stem subsidence. Nonoperative fractures with subsequent treatment failure had initial fracture extension closer to the tip of the stem compared to successfully treated nonoperative fractures (5.5 versus 10.2 centimeters; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Select nonoperatively treated patients had infrequent need for unplanned surgery, high union rate, and return to their preinjury ambulation status. Nonoperative management is not appropriate for all Vancouver B1 PPFx, but those patients who have minimally displaced meta-diaphyseal fractures and partial remaining distal fixation can be successfully treated.

Iliac dysmorphism: defining radiographic characteristics and association with pelvic osseous corridor size.

INTRODUCTION: Insertion of iliac wing implants requires understanding of the curvilinear shape of the ilium. This study serves to quantitatively identify the area of iliac inner-outer table convergence (IOTC), characterize the iliac wing osseous corridor, and define the gluteal pillar osseous corridor. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 100 male and 100 female hemipelves were evaluated. The iliac wing was studied using manual best-fit analysis of the bounds of the inner and outer cortices. The IOTC was defined as the location of the iliac wing with an intercortical width less than 5 mm. The shortest distance from the apex of the iliac crest to the superior border of the IOTC was defined as the iliac wing osseous corridor. Finally, the width of the gluteal pillar corridor from the gluteus medius tubercle to the ischial tuberosity was measured. RESULTS: The IOTC is an elliptical area measuring 22.3 cm2. All ilia had an area where the inner and outer cortices converged to an intercortical width of less than 5 mm; 48% converged to a single cortex. The shortest mean distance from the superior edge of the iliac crest to the beginning of the IOTC was 20.3 mm in men and 13.8 mm in women (p < 0.001). The gluteal pillar diameter averaged 5.3 mm in men and 4.3 mm in women (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: All ilia converge to a thin and frequently unicortical central region. A 4.5 mm iliac wing lag screw will not breach the cortex if it remains within 20 mm or 14 mm distal to the cranial aspect of the iliac crest in males and females, respectively. Not only is the gluteal pillar smaller than previously thought, in 41% of males and 73% of females, it is not be large enough for 5 mm implants. CONCLUSION: This study quantitatively assesses the dimensions of the IOTC, the iliac crest osseous corridor, and the gluteal pillar. Overall, our findings provide improved understanding of the limits for implant use in the iliac wing as well as better appreciation of the complex osteology of the ilium. This will help surgeons to identify safe areas for implant placement and avoid inadvertent cortical penetration.

Biomechanical comparison of a novel tensioned cable construct versus tension band wiring for transverse patella fracture fixation.

PURPOSE: Tension band wiring (TBW) is the most widely accepted method for patella fracture fixation. The purpose of our study was to compare the biomechanical efficacy of a novel cable construct to TBW for the fixation of transverse patella fractures. The tensioned cable construct was hypothesized to have less fracture gapping after cyclic flexion-extension loading and greater ultimate load to failure as compared to TBW. METHODS: Transverse patellar osteotomies (AO/OTA 34C1.1) were performed on nine pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric whole legs (mean age 82.2 years, range 71-101). Treatment with TBW or tensioned cable construct was randomized within each specimen pair. Fracture site displacement was measured after 5000 flexion-extension cycles from 0° to 90° at 0.5 Hz. In load to failure testing, the knee was fixed at 45° of flexion and the quadriceps tendon was pulled proximally at 0.5 mm/sec until patella fixation failure. Comparisons were made using paired t-tests with alpha values of 0.05. RESULTS: Eight paired specimens completed the cyclic loading. The tensioned cable construct had significantly less fracture gapping than TBW (2.9 vs 10.9 mm; p = 0.020). Seven paired limbs underwent load to failure testing, which revealed no significant difference between the tensioned cable construct and TBW (1551.6 N vs 1664.0 N; p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: In this study of transverse patella fracture fixation, a tensioned cable construct demonstrated significantly less fracture gapping compared to TBW in response to cyclic loading with no significant difference in load at failure.

Intraoperative Comparative Femoral Rotation Imaging: Do not Overlook Parallax.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the degree of error due to parallax during intraoperative rotational imaging involving the distal femur. METHODS: Twelve, fresh-frozen, lower-extremity cadaveric specimens were studied. The limbs were positioned supine and rotated until the posterior femoral condyles were superimposed using a C-arm. The C-arm was then repositioned to place the femoral condyles at the anterior and posterior margins of the image intensifier. The rotation necessary to resuperimpose the femoral condyles due to parallax was recorded. A second C-arm was then used from the contralateral side to simulate the rotational imaging technique to determine the magnitude and directionality of combined parallax. RESULTS: All 12 specimens demonstrated parallax, resulting in rotational discrepancies. Compared with central field of view alignment, the mean rotational discrepancy was 5.6 and 5.5 degrees for anterior and posterior positions, respectively. Contralateral imaging resulted in an additive effect with rotational differences of 9.0 and 12.6 degrees for bilateral anterior and posterior positions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parallax causes rotational discrepancies with fluoroscopic imaging of the distal femur when the posterior femoral condyles are off-center in the imaging field of view. If femoral condyles are not centered when obtaining intraoperative rotational imaging of the uninjured and injured femurs, parallax can result in potentially clinically significant rotational deformity even if the femurs seem perfectly matched at the conclusion of surgery. We recommend perfectly centering of the posterior femoral condyles in the imaging field of view when obtaining lateral images of the distal femur to prevent this potentially overlooked contribution to malrotation.

Defining the iliac wing osseous fixation pathways: anatomy and implant constriction points.

INTRODUCTION: Insertion of iliac wing implants requires understanding of the curvilinear shape of the ilium. This study serves to quantitatively identify the area of iliac inner-outer table convergence (IOTC), characterize the iliac wing osseous corridor, and define the gluteal pillar osseous corridor. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 100 male and 100 female hemipelves were evaluated. The iliac wing was studied using manual best-fit analysis of the bounds of the inner and outer cortices. The IOTC was defined as the location of the iliac wing with an intercortical width less than 5 mm. The shortest distance from the apex of the iliac crest to the superior border of the IOTC was defined as the iliac wing osseous corridor. Finally, the width of the gluteal pillar corridor from the gluteus medius tubercle to the ischial tuberosity was measured. RESULTS: The IOTC is an elliptical area measuring 22.3 cm2. All ilia had an area where the inner and outer cortices converged to an intercortical width of less than 5 mm; 48% converged to a single cortex. The shortest mean distance from the superior edge of the iliac crest to the beginning of the IOTC was 20.3 mm in men and 13.8 mm in women (p < 0.001). The gluteal pillar diameter averaged 5.3 mm in men and 4.3 mm in women (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: All ilia converge to a thin and frequently unicortical central region. A 4.5 mm iliac wing lag screw will not breach the cortex if it remains within 20 mm or 14 mm distal to the cranial aspect of the iliac crest in males and females, respectively. Not only is the gluteal pillar smaller than previously thought, in 41% of males and 73% of females, it is not be large enough for 5 mm implants. CONCLUSION: This study quantitatively assesses the dimensions of the IOTC, the iliac crest osseous corridor, and the gluteal pillar. Overall, our findings provide improved understanding of the limits for implant use in the iliac wing as well as better appreciation of the complex osteology of the ilium. This will help surgeons to identify safe areas for implant placement and avoid inadvertent cortical penetration.

Supraacetabular osseous corridor: defining dimensions, sex differences, and alternatives.

INTRODUCTION: The supraacetabular (SA) corridor extends from the anterior inferior iliac spine to the posterior ilium and can safely accommodate implants to stabilize pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, quantitative analysis of its dimensions and characteristics have not been thoroughly described. This study seeks to define the dimensions, common constriction points, and any alternative trajectories that would maximize the corridor diameter. METHODS: Computed tomography of 100 male and 100 female hemipelves without osseous trauma were evaluated. The corridor boundaries were determined through manual best-fit analysis. The largest intercortical cylinder within the pathway was created and measured. Alternative trajectories were tested within the SA boundaries to identify another orientation that maximized the diameter of the intercortical cylinder. RESULTS: The traditional SA corridor had a mean diameter of 8.3 mm in men and 6.2 mm in women. This difference in diameter is due to a more S-shaped ilium in women. A larger alternative SA corridor was found that had a less limited path through the ilium and measured 11.3 mm in men and 9.9 mm in women. These dimensions are significantly different compared to those of the traditional SA corridor in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: In men, the SA corridor allows for the safe passage of most hardware used in pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, in women, the SA corridor is restricted by a more S-shaped ilium. An alternative trajectory was found that has a significantly larger mean diameter in both sexes. Ultimately, the trajectory of hardware will be dictated by the clinical scenario. When large implants are needed, especially in women, we recommend considering the alternative SA corridor.

A Novel Fluoroscopic Method for Assessing Rotational Malalignment of the Tibia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a novel fluoroscopic technique for assessing tibial rotation and compare it with a previously described fluoroscopic method. METHODS: A multiplanar circular ring external fixator was secured to the tibial diaphysis of 5 cadaveric lower extremity specimens. Using deformity correction software, the frame and tibia were programed to randomly rotate 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees of internal and external rotation. After each rotation, 2 blinded, independent observers measured the degree of tibial rotation using 2 different fluoroscopic methods: the previously described "mortise" method and the novel "intermalleolar" method. A total of 65 measurements were made by each observer. Accuracy and interobserver reliability were calculated. RESULTS: Both intermalleolar and mortise methods had a mean absolute rotational difference from the true torsion of 3 degrees (standard error 1; range, 0-10 degrees intermalleolar vs. 0-18 degrees mortise). We found that 98.5% (128/130) of measurements using the intermalleolar method were less than 10 degrees from the true rotation compared with 93.8% (122/130) using the mortise method. Both the intermalleolar and the mortise methods had excellent interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.99 and 0.96, respectively). CONCLUSION: Measuring tibial rotation fluoroscopically using the intermalleolar method is both accurate and reliable. Compared with the previously described mortise method, it has similar accuracy and provides a value that approximates the true tibial rotation. Also, it can be used reliably and effectively intraoperatively to identify tibial malrotation and assist in intraoperative rotational corrections.

Important Factors for Retrograde Nailing Through Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate how total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant design, femoral component size, and preoperative knee range of motion affect retrograde femoral nailing. METHODS: Cadaveric specimens were prepared for TKA with a single radius (SR) or medial pivot (MP) design and tested with cruciate retaining (CR), cruciate substituting (CS), and posterior stabilizing (PS) 9-mm liners. Knee extension identified the minimum flexion required to pass an opening reamer without impinging on TKA components. The angle between the reamer path and the femoral shaft was calculated from lateral fluoroscopic images. RESULTS: In SR TKA, the average flexion required was 70, 71, and 82 degrees for CR, CS, and PS, respectively. The required flexion in PS was significantly greater (P = 0.03). In MP TKA, the average flexion required was 74, 84, and 123 degrees for CR, CS, and PS, respectively. The required flexion was significantly greater in CS and PS designs (P < 0.0001). Femoral component size did not affect the minimum flexion required. The entry reamer resulted in 9.2 (SR) and 12.5 (MP) degrees of apex anterior deviation. CONCLUSIONS: When performing retrograde nailing through either of these TKA designs with a 12-mm opening reamer, at least 70 degrees of knee flexion is required to avoid damage to the polyethylene liner or femoral component. PS implants require significantly more flexion with both TKA designs. Femoral component size did not affect the flexion requirement. Approximately a 10-degree deviation exists between the reamer path and femoral shaft.

MRI-only occult geriatric hip fractures: is displacement common with nonoperative treatment?

INTRODUCTION: Although surgical fixation is routinely recommended for geriatric hip fractures, nonoperative treatment may be an option for certain stable fracture patterns. Occult hip fractures are nondisplaced fractures not evident on radiographs, but display intraosseous edema on MRI. Our aim is to report the rate of nonoperative treatment failure in patients with occult geriatric hip fractures. METHODS: All nonoperatively treated femoral neck or intertrochanteric femur fractures (AO/OTA 31A and 31B) from 2003 to 2018 were identified. Patients older than 65 years with negative radiographs but a hip fracture evident on MRI were included. Patients who died prior to fracture displacement or union were excluded. Charts and imaging were reviewed for demographic data, fracture type, clinical course, displacement, and whether corrective surgery was performed. RESULTS: Of 15 final study patients, there were 6 femoral neck and 9 intertrochanteric fractures. Two fractures displaced, both requiring surgery (2/15; 13.3%). Both displacements occurred in the femoral neck group (2/6; 33%) compared to none in the intertrochanteric cohort (0/9; 0%). This trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Thirty-three percent (2/6, 33%) of femoral neck fractures displaced and required surgery. The remainder of the cohort (13/15, 87%) healed without complication, including all of the intertrochanteric fractures (9/9, 100%). Although this difference did not reach statistical significance, the results may better inform treatment discussions for geriatric patients with occult hip fractures diagnosed by MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Optimal Technical Factors During Operative Management of Low-Energy Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if cancellous screw (CS) and sliding hip screw (SHS) technical factors during low-energy femoral neck fracture fixation affects a 24-month revision surgery rate and health-related quality of life (HRQL). DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: International, multicenter. PATIENTS: Eight hundred ninety-eight femoral neck fracture patients age 50 years and older. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to fracture stabilization with either CSs or a SHS device as part of the Fixation Using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip Fractures (FAITH) trial. CS technical factors analyzed included screw diameter, short versus long screw threads, screw number and formation, screw orientation, and washer use. SHS technical factors studied were side plate length, supplemental screw use, lag screw position, and tip-apex distance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Revision surgeries within 24 months to promote fracture healing, relieve pain, treat infection, or improve function. In addition, HRQL measures were collected, including the SF-12 Physical Component Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. RESULTS: The 3-screw inverted triangle pattern had a significantly lower revision surgery rate than a 3-screw triangle formation (P = 0.004). No other CS or SHS technical factors were predictive of revision surgery or affected a patient's HRQL (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 3-screw inverted triangle pattern was superior to a 3-screw triangle formation. However, injury and patient factors such as fracture displacement, age, smoking status and sex play a more significant role in clinical outcomes for low-energy femoral neck fracture treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The FAITH and HEALTH Trials: Are We Studying Different Hip Fracture Patient Populations?

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, 2 randomized controlled trials were performed to evaluate 2 surgical strategies (internal fixation and arthroplasty) for the treatment of low-energy femoral neck fractures in patients aged ≥50 years. We evaluated whether patient populations in both the FAITH and HEALTH trials had different baseline characteristics and compared the displaced femoral neck fracture cohort from the FAITH trial to HEALTH trial patients. METHODS: Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and fracture characteristics from both trials were compared. FAITH trial patients with displaced fractures were then compared with HEALTH patients. T-tests and χ tests were performed to compare differences for sex, age, osteoporosis status, and ASA class. RESULTS: The mean age of the 1079 FAITH trial patients was 72 versus 79 years for the 1441 HEALTH trial patients. HEALTH patients were older, mostly White, used more medication, and had more comorbidities than FAITH patients. Of the 1079 FAITH trial patients, 32% (346/1079) had displaced fractures. Their mean age was significantly lower than that of HEALTH patients (66 vs. 79 years; P < 0.001). HEALTH trial patients were significantly more likely to be female, have ASA classification Class III/IV/V, and carry a diagnosis of osteoporosis, as compared with the subgroup of FAITH patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates significant differences between patients enrolled in the 2 trials. Although both studies focused on femoral neck fractures with similar enrollment criteria, patient populations differed. This sheds light on a noteworthy limitation of discordant patient enrollment into randomized trials, despite similar eligibility criteria. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What Factors Increase Revision Surgery Risk When Treating Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures With Arthroplasty: A Secondary Analysis of the HEALTH Trial.

OBJECTIVES: HEALTH was a randomized controlled trial comparing total hip arthroplasty with hemiarthroplasty in low-energy displaced femoral neck fracture patients aged ≥50 years with unplanned revision surgery within 24 months of the initial procedure being the primary outcome. No significant short-term differences between treatment arms were observed. The primary objective of this secondary HEALTH trial analysis was to determine if any patient and surgical factors were associated with increased risk of revision surgery within 24 months after hip fracture. METHODS: We analyzed 9 potential factors chosen a priori that could be associated with revision surgery. The factors included age, body mass index, major comorbidities, independent ambulation, type of surgical approach, length of operation, use of femoral cement, femoral head size, and degree of femoral stem offset. Our statistical analysis was a multivariable Cox regression using reoperation within 24 months of index surgery as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Of the 1441 patients included in this analysis, 8.1% (117/1441) experienced reoperation within 24 months. None of the studied factors were found to be predictors of revision surgery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both total and partial hip replacements are successful procedures in low-energy displaced femoral neck fracture patients. We were unable to identify any patient or surgeon-controlled factors that significantly increased the need for revision surgery in our elderly and predominately female patient population. One should not generalize our findings to an active physiologically younger femoral neck fracture population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Deltoid Ligament Ruptures in Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Operative indications for supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures depend on the integrity of the medial structures. Despite the importance of assessing deep deltoid ligament injuries, the accuracy of common diagnostic tests has not been established. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The objective of this study was to compare the ability of injury (non-stress) and stress radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose deep deltoid ligament ruptures in operative SER ankle fractures. METHODS: Patients were included who underwent surgical fixation of SER ankle fractures and had appropriate injury and manual stress test radiographs, pre-operative ankle MRI, and intra-operative assessment of deep deltoid integrity by direct visualization. The medial clear space (MCS) was considered positive for all values over 5 mm on the injury or stress mortise radiographs. MRI analysis of the deep deltoid ligament injury was performed by blinded fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Intra-operative direct visualization and assessment of the deltoid was performed using a direct medial ankle approach at the time of operative fracture fixation. RESULTS: Using intra-operative visualization as the gold standard, MCS measurements and MRI had differing abilities to diagnose a deep deltoid rupture. In cases where the MCS was less than 5 mm on injury radiographs and stress tests were performed, MCS measurements were much less accurate than MRI in predicting deltoid ruptures (46% versus 79%, respectively) with a high false positive rate (80%). In contrast, an MCS measurement of greater than 5 mm on injury radiographs was a strong predictor of deep deltoid rupture (accuracy of 95%). CONCLUSION: Compared with direct visualization of the deltoid ligament intra-operatively, these data support proceeding with surgery when the MCS on injury radiographs is greater than 5 mm without any additional stress tests or advanced imaging. When the MCS is less than 5 mm, we recommend MRI analysis because of its increased accuracy and decreased false positive rate. Improving our ability to diagnose deltoid ruptures will contribute to more effective management of patients with SER ankle fractures.

Ninety-Five Degree Angled Blade Plate Fixation of High-Energy Unstable Proximal Femur Fractures Results in High Rates of Union and Minimal Complications.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of high-energy proximal femur fractures treated with a 95-degree angled blade plate. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Single academic Level I trauma center. PATIENT/PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five consecutive patients from March 2012 to April 2017 who sustained a high-energy, unstable proximal femur fracture including (OTA/AO 31-A1, 31-A2, 31-A3, 31-B3, 32-A1a, and 32-C3i). INTERVENTION: Open reduction internal fixation with a 95-degree angled blade plate used in conjunction with an articulated tensioning device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Nonunion, malunion, secondary operations, and postoperative infection. RESULTS: Twenty six patients were available for follow-up. The mean age was 43.8 (range 22-86) years, and 81% (21/26) were men. The most common fracture pattern was OTA/AO 31-A3.3. Two fractures were open. The articulated tensioner was used in 100% of cases. Average clinical follow-up was 19.2 (range 7-40) months. Twenty-four of 26 patients (92%) achieved osseous union after the index procedure. One patient underwent nonunion repair, and 2 patients had the blade plate removed as it was symptomatic laterally. No other secondary procedures were performed, and no instances of implant failure were seen. No patients had evidence of a superficial or deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: We found that high-energy proximal femur fractures treated with a 95-degree condylar blade plate and articulated tensioning device had a high rate of union with minimal postoperative complications. Although intramedullary nailing of these fractures remains a preferred treatment modality, the angled blade plate with articulated tensioning device is an excellent option to restore anatomical alignment and obtain bony union in certain highly comminuted fracture patterns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Nonoperative Geriatric Hip Fracture Treatment Is Associated With Increased Mortality: A Matched Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the mortality data and life expectancy of geriatric hip fracture patients who underwent nonoperative management and compare that with a matched operative cohort. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Geriatric (65 years of age and older) femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture (OTA/AO 31A and 31B) patients. INTERVENTION: Operative treatment with either arthroplasty, cannulated screws, sliding hip screw device, or cephalomedullary nail compared with nonoperative cohort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one patients, comprising 154 operative and 77 nonoperative patients, were compared. There were no significant differences among age, sex, fracture location, Charlson Comorbidity Index, preinjury living location, dementia, and history of cardiac arrhythmia between the 2 cohorts. Nonoperatively managed patients were found to have a significantly higher percent in-hospital (28.6 vs. 3.9; P < 0.0001), 30-day (63.6 vs. 11.0; <0.0001), and 1-year (84.4 vs. 36.4; P < 0.0001) mortality. The mean life expectancy after a hip fracture for the nonoperative cohort was significantly shorter than the operative group (221 vs. 1024 days; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperatively treated hip fracture patients had an 84.4% 1-year mortality that was significantly higher than a matched operative cohort. Our results demonstrate the bleak overall prognosis for nonoperatively treated geriatric hip fractures as well as the associated reduction in mortality with surgical treatment. Our findings offer helpful information by providing updated mortality data when discussing nonoperative hip fracture management with patients and their family. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.