The Role of Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Graft in the Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation of Unstable Intertrochanter Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce our method of stabilizing unstable intertrochanteric fractures by using the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) graft and to compare the outcomes of this procedure with those of the conventional DHS without β-TCP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery by using DHS between March 2002 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed for analysis of the outcomes. The inclusion criteria were: 1) age of 60 years and older; 2) low-energy fracture resulting from a fall from no greater than the standing height; 3) multifragmentary pertrochanteric fracture (AO classification 31-A2.2, 2.3); and 4) follow-up of over 3 months. We compared 29 patients (29 hips) who underwent surgery, using DHS without β-TCP, with 29 age-sex matched patients (29 hips) who underwent surgery using DHS with grafted β-TCP granules to empty the trochanter area after reaming. We investigated the fracture union rate, union time, and length of lag screw sliding. RESULTS: Bone union was achieved in all cases. The mean union time was 7.0 weeks in the β-TCP group and 8 .8 weeks in the non-β-TCP group. The length of lag screw sliding was 3.6 mm in the β-TCP group and 5 .5 mm in the non-β-TCP group. There were no implant failure cases in both groups. CONCLUSION: The β-TCP graft for reinforcement DHS acquired satisfactory clinical outcomes for treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures.