The effect of postoperative weight-bearing status on mortality rate following proximal femoral fractures surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femur fractures are associated with an increased mortality rate in the elderly. Early weight-bearing presents as a modifiable factor that may reduce negative postoperative outcomes and complications. As such, we aimed to compare non-weight-bearing, partial-weight-bearing and full weight-bearing cohorts, in terms of risk factors and postoperative outcomes and complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our database to identify the three cohorts based on the postoperative weight-bearing status the day of surgery from 2003 to 20014. We collected data on numerous risk factors, including age, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), pulmonary embolism (PE), surgical fixation method and diagnosis type. We also collected data on postoperative outcomes, including the number of days of hospitalization, pain levels, and mortality rate. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis; P < 0.05 was the significant threshold. RESULTS: There were 186 patients in the non-weight-bearing group, 127 patients in the partial-weight-bearing group and 1791 patients in the full weight-bearing group. We found a significant difference in the type of diagnosis between cohorts (P < 0.001 in univariate, P < 0.001 in multivariate), but not in fixation type (P < 0.001 in univariate, but P = 0.76 in multivariate). The full weight-bearing group was diagnosed most with pertrochanteric fracture, 48.0%, and used Richard's nailing predominantly. Finally, we found that age was not a significant determinant of mortality rate but only weight-bearing cohort (P = 0.13 vs. P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: We recommend early weight-bearing, which may act to decrease the mortality rate compared to non-weight-bearing and partial weight-bearing. In addition, appropriate expectations and standardizations should be set since age and type of diagnosis act as significant predictors of weight-bearing status.

Mid-term results of subcapital realignment of chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis using surgical hip dislocation: a prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) requires surgical treatment when diagnosed. The surgical management of moderate to severe SCFE remains an area of controversy among pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The severity of slippage, the viability of the femoral epiphysis, and the method of surgical management determine the long-term clinical and radiographical outcome. This study sought to evaluate the mid-term results of subcapital realignment of chronic stable slipped femoral epiphysis with open physis using surgical hip dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective case series of adolescents with moderate or severe degrees of chronic SCFE who had undergone subcapital osteotomy using the surgical hip dislocation technique. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess functional outcomes at 6 years of follow-up. A HHS of ≥ 80 points was considered satisfactory. Postoperative radiological outcomes were evaluated using epiphyseal-shaft angles and alpha angles. Postoperative complications were observed. RESULTS: This study included 40 patients, 32 (80%) males and 8 (20%) females, with a mean age of 14.1 ± 1.8 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean HHS from 45 ± 12.3 preoperatively to 91.8 ± 11.6 points at 6 years of follow-up. The mean epiphyseal-shaft angle reduced from 60.5 ± 15.3° preoperatively to 10.3 ± 2.4° postoperatively, P < 0.001. The mean alpha angle reduced from 72.5 ± 10.1° preoperatively to 40.4 ± 6.4°, P < 0.001. Four (10%) patients showed femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN). CONCLUSIONS: Subcapital realignment of chronic SCFE can achieve satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes, but femoral head AVN remains a risk. Level of evidence Level IV.

Three-Dimensional Microstructural Basis for Differential Occurrence of Subcapital versus Basicervical Hip Fractures in Men.

We analyzed the bone microarchitecture of the subcapital and basicervical subregions of the femoral neck in men, to determine whether microarchitectural differences of cortical or trabecular bone can explain differential frequency of subcapital vs. basicervical fractures, especially in aged persons. The study sample encompassed twenty male proximal femora obtained during autopsy. They were divided in two age groups: young (< 40 years, n = 10) and aged (> 60 years, n = 10). Micro-computed tomography was used to evaluate cortical and trabecular microarchitecture of the subcapital and basicervical regions of the superolateral femoral neck-typical fracture initiation site. Basicervical region showed significantly thicker and less porous cortex than subcapital region (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively), along with increased distance between cortical pores (p = 0.004) and smaller pore diameters (p = 0.069). Higher trabecular number (Tb.N: p = 0.042), lower trabecular thickness (Tb.Th: p < 0.001), and lower trabecular separation (p = 0.003) were also hallmarks of the basicervical compared to subcapital region, although BV/TV was similar in both regions (p = 0.133). Age-related deterioration was mostly visible in trabecular bone (for BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N and fractal dimension: p = 0.026, p = 0.049, p = 0.059, p = 0.009, respectively). Moreover, there were tendencies to age-specific patterns of trabecular separation (more pronounced inter-site differences in aged) and cortical thickness (more pronounced inter-site differences in young). Trabecular microarchitecture corresponded to cortical characteristics of each region. Our study revealed the microarchitectural basis for higher incidence of subcapital than basicervical fractures of the femoral neck. This is essential for better understanding of the fracture risk, as well as for future strategies to prevent hip fractures and their complications.

Internal Rotation Traction Radiograph Improves Proximal Femoral Fracture Classification Accuracy and Agreement.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the clinical utility of internal rotation traction radiography in the classification of proximal femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort included 78 consecutive patients who were surgically treated for a proximal femoral fracture and for whom preoperative physician-assisted internal rotation traction radiographs of the fractured hip were obtained in addition to standard radiographs. Two radiologists who were blinded to clinical information independently classified each fracture without the traction view and then with the traction view. The radiologists also reported their confidence (expressed as a percentage) in their classifications. The reference standard was the consensus interpretation of intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopic images by two orthopedic surgeons and one radiologist. Classification accuracy was compared using the McNemar test. Subjective confidence and confidence-weighted accuracy were compare using paired t tests. Agreement with the reference standard and interreader agreement were calculated using the kappa statistic and were compared using the z-test after bootstrapping was performed to obtain the standard error. RESULTS: With the traction view, the pooled accuracy increased from 44.9% to 72.4%, subjective confidence increased from 87% to 94%, and confidence-weighted accuracy increased from 51.7% to 74.3% (p < 0.001). With the traction view, the kappa statistic for agreement with the reference standard increased from 0.530 to 0.791 and from 0.381 to 0.625 for the two readers, and interreader agreement increased from 0.480 to 0.678 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The addition of an internal rotation traction radiographic view significantly improves radiologist accuracy and confidence as well as interreader agreement in the classification of proximal femoral fractures, all of which would be expected to best guide appropriate surgical management.

Utility and cost of low-vacuum reinfusion drains in patients undergoing surgery for subcapital hip fracture repair. A before and after cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative blood loss may be a risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing subcapital hip fracture (SHF) repair. We investigated the utility and costs of using a low-vacuum reinfusion drain (Bellovac ABT) within a blood management protocol for reducing ABT requirements in consecutive SHF. METHODS: The blood management protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl), the peri-operative administration of IV iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h) ± recombinant erythropoietin (1 × 40 000 IU sc) and the use of Bellovac ABT (Group 2, n = 117). An immediate previous SHF series managed without Bellovac ABT served as control (Group 1, n = 138). RESULTS: Overall, 72 out of 255 (28%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1 ± 1·0 U/transfused patient) without differences between groups. However, in the subgroup of patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl, the use of Bellovac ABT reduced postoperative ABT rates (16% vs. 46%, for groups 2 and 1, respectively; P = 0·001), although only 3 were reinfused, and was cost-saving. The use of Bellovac ABT also resulted in fewer wound bleeding complications, but there were no differences in Hb at postoperative days 7 and 30 between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In SHF patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl and managed with peri-operative IV iron ± recombinant erythropoietin plus restrictive transfusion indication, the use of Bellovac ABT was associated with reduced ABT requirements, without increasing postoperative complications, and cost-savings.

Limitations and Complications in Treating Femoral Neck Fractures with the Femoral Neck System: A Case Report.

Introduction: The femoral neck system (FNS) represents an emerging fixation system designed for the management of femoral neck fractures. This innovative system combines the mechanical benefits of compression and anti-rotation properties in internal fixation. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated the superior axial and rotational stability of the FNS implant when compared to traditional cannulated screws and dynamic hip screw. Despite these promising mechanical advantages, there is currently a limited body of literature addressing the factors contributing to FNS failure. A thorough assessment of the safety and outcomes associated with this novel implant is essential. Case Report: In this context, we present three cases wherein FNS failure occurred, aiming to elucidate the potential causes behind these failures, and had to undergo either an implant removal or bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Conclusion: While considering the femoral neck system as the implant of choice, we should consider the age, injury to surgery time, and the location of the fracture line. However, we cannot conclusively ascertain whether age contributes independently to the risk of failure.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a patient with subcapital femoral neck fracture and ipsilateral above-knee amputation: A case report.

This case report describes the surgical and post-operative challenges encountered following a THA performed for a subcapital femoral neck fracture in a patient with an ipsilateral above-knee amputation.

What is the best method of fixation for minimally displaced subcapital neck of femur fractures? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the community. Minimally displaced subcapital necks of femoral fractures are usually managed with internal fixation, although there is debate as to which method is superior. This systematic review aimed to compare the outcomes of different fixation methods in the management of this common fracture. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA statement guidelines. The databases searched were MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE (Ovid). The study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and relevant data were extracted and synthesised. RESULTS: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 819 patients were included in this study. Eight of the nine studies were case series, and one was a randomised control trial. The mean risk of bias was 7.4/9 for non-randomised articles. The fixation methods used in the included studies were dynamic hip screw (DHS), cannulated screws, Smith-Peterson nail, hooknail, Moore's pins, and Knowle's pins. DHS was found to be a superior method of fixation and was supported by a clinical trial. It has high rates of union (99 %), low rates of avascular necrosis (<1 %), and low rates of fixation failure (<1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, DHS appears to be the superior method of fixation for the minimally displaced subcapital neck of femoral fractures. Given the general low level of evidence currently available, additional clinical trials are needed in this area.

[Periosteosynthesis subtrochanteric fractures after fixation of femoral neck fractures with cannulated screws]. / Fracturas subtrocantéricas periosteosíntesis tras fijación de fracturas de cuello femoral con tornillos canulados.

INTRODUCTION: the objective of this study was to analyze the incidence and predisposing factors in subtrochanteric fractures on hips previously treated with cannulated screws after suffering a subcapital fracture, based on eight cases registered in the last 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this is a retrospective observational study on a series of patients with a diagnosis of subtrochanteric hip fracture, who have been treated in recent months for a subcapital fracture of the same hip by osteosynthesis with cannulated screws. The study period was 20 years (2000-2020). RESULTS: of the eight cases, five were women and three were men, with a mean age of 75.12 years (range 59-87 years). In all cases, the subtrochanteric fracture occurred within a year after the first fracture, the time elapsed between the two fractures was four months on average (range 1-9 months). Regarding the disposition of the cannulated screws, most of the 7/8 cases were in the shape of an upper vertex triangle, and only one case was in the shape of an inverted triangle or lower vertex. The entry point into the femoral external cortex was at the level of the lesser trochanter in six cases, and in two cases this entry was distal to the lesser trochanter. CONCLUSION: in our experience, in the etiology of subtrochanteric fractures, the introduction of screws distal to the lesser trochanter, and the distribution of the screws in a triangular shape are the two main objective predisposing factors.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la incidencia y factores predisponentes en las fracturas subtrocantéreas sobre caderas tratadas previamente con tornillos canulados tras sufrir una fractura subcapital, con base en ocho casos registrados en los últimos 20 años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo observacional sobre una serie de pacientes con el diagnóstico de fractura subtrocantérica de cadera, los cuales habían sido tratados en los últimos meses de una fractura subcapital de la misma cadera mediante osteosíntesis con tornillos canulados. El período de estudio fue de 20 años (2000-2020). RESULTADOS: de los ocho casos, cinco eran mujeres y tres hombres, con una media de edad de 75.12 años (rango 59-87 años). En todos los casos, la fractura subtrocantérica ocurrió antes de un año tras la primera fractura, el tiempo transcurrido entre las dos fracturas fue de cuatro meses de media (rango de uno a nueve meses). En cuanto a la disposición de los tornillos canulados, la mayoría de casos 7/8 fue en forma de triángulo de vértice superior y sólo un caso en forma de triángulo invertido o vértice inferior. El punto de entrada en la cortical externa femoral fue a nivel del trocánter menor en seis casos y en dos casos dicha entrada era distal al trocánter menor. CONCLUSIÓN: según nuestra experiencia, en la etiología de las fracturas subtrocantéricas, la introducción de los tornillos distales al trocánter menor y la distribución de los tornillos en forma triangular son los dos factores predisponentes objetivables principales.

Is anterior subcapital shortening osteotomy a reliable and reproducible technique in the treatment of severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral shortening osteotomies are becoming the treatment of choice for severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) to reduce the risk of femoroacetabular impingement. The reported rates of complication seem reasonable, but these are single-operator series with surgeons highly experienced in this technique. The purpose of this study was to assess how surgeon experience impacted the outcomes of anterior subcapital shortening osteotomy (ASSO) in severe SCFE. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis was that ASSO is a reproducible technique that is accessible to junior surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All ASSOs performed for severe SCFE (slipangle > 40°) between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All osteotomies were performed by surgeons with less than 4 years' experience (senior residents), who were trained by a senior surgeon experienced in this technique (Group 1). The incidence of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) and complications were analyzed and compared to a historical control cohort (Group 2). RESULTS: A total of 62 SCFEs (37 unstable and 25 stable) were analyzed. Both groups had similar demographic data and SCFE characteristics. The mean operative times were statistically comparable in both groups. The rates of AVN in unstable SCFEs and in the overall series were comparable in both groups (18.9% vs. 13.3%, p=.55 and 12.9% vs. 9.7%, p=.6). These rates were comparable in the stable forms (4.0% vs. 5.4%; p=1). However, the preoperative MRI in Group 1 showed that 42.8% of unstable hips that developed AVN were already hypoperfused before surgery. The overall rate of complication showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (26% vs. 17%, p=.16). DISCUSSION: Although ASSO is a technically demanding procedure, it is reliable and reproducible. The main risk factor for developing AVN remains the unstable nature of SCFE and not the surgeon's experience. It can be performed by trained junior surgeons, but not in an emergency setting, with the possibility of assistance from a more experienced surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective case study.

Total hip arthroplasty for an intracapsular femoral neck fracture of high-femoral amputee.

Femoral neck fractures in transfemoral amputees are not common and management is associated with surgical technique and post-operative rehabilitation challenges. A 61-year-old Caucasian, male, above-knee amputee (following mangled extremity trauma 8 months before) who mobilized with a prosthesis presented to the emergency department with a right femoral neck fracture (Garden III). The patient underwent cementless total hip replacement (THR), using the lateral (Hardinge's) approach. No additional instrument was used to manipulate the residual femoral stump. The absence of the distal limb required careful preparation of the femoral canal, taking into consideration the position of the lesser trochanter, in order to appropriately align the femoral prosthesis regarding anteversion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Six months later, the patient was ambulating using his prothesis and had almost returned to his pre-injury activity status. Satisfactory results can be obtained after THR in trans-femoral amputees.

The safety of continuous fascia iliaca block in patients with hip fracture taking pre-injury anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications.

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is an effective method to treat pain in adult trauma patients with hip fracture. Of importance is the high prevalence of preinjury anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications in this population. To date, we have not identified any literature that has specifically evaluated the safety of FICB with continuous catheter infusion in patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. The purpose of this study is to quantify the complication rate associated with FICB in patients who are actively taking prescribed anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications prior to injury and identify factors that may predispose patients to an adverse event. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive adult trauma patients (age ≥18) with hip fracture who underwent placement of FICB within 24 h of admission and had been taking anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications pre-injury. Patients were excluded if their catheter was placed more than 24 h post-hospital admission. Patients were evaluated for demographics, injury severity, laboratory values, medication history, receipt of coagulation-related reversal medications, and complications related to FICB placement. Complications included bleeding at the insertion site requiring catheter removal and 30-day catheter site infection. The incidence of complications was reported and risk factors for complications were identified using univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: There were 124 patients included. The mean age was 81 ± 10 years, and the most common mechanism was ground level fall (94%). Most patients were taking single antiplatelet therapy (65%), followed by anticoagulant alone (21%), combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy (7.3%) and dual antiplatelet therapy (7.3%). The most common antiplatelet was aspirin (88%) and the most common anticoagulant was warfarin (60%). Of the patients taking warfarin, the average INR on admission was 2.3 ± 0.8. Only 1 bleeding complication (0.8%) was noted in a patient prescribed clopidogrel pre-injury which occurred 5 days post-catheter placement. This same patient was noted to have superficial surgical site bleeding most likely secondary to the use of enoxaparin for post-operative deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. There were 4 orthopedic superficial surgical site infections (3.2%), all remote from the catheter site. The pre-injury medication prescribed in these patients was aspirin 81 mg, aspirin 325 mg, rivaroxaban and dabigatran, respectively. No factors were associated with a complication thus multivariate analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION: The incidence of complications associated with fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in adult trauma patients prescribed pre-injury anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications is low. In this retrospective review, we did not identify any complications that were directly associated with the FICB procedure. Fascia iliaca block with continuous infusion catheter placement can be safely performed on patients who are on therapeutic anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents.

Subcapital Fracture with Avascular Necrosis of the Whole Femoral Head After Fixation of an Intertrochanteric Fracture: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Subcapital fractures following internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture are relatively rare. It has been reported that these fractures are caused by improper placement of implants, osteoporosis, and any trauma episode. We report a rare case of subcapsular fracture possibly caused by whole femoral head necrosis following intertrochanteric fracture treatment. CASE REPORT: An 88-year-old woman fell and sustained an intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur. She was treated with a short femoral nail (SFN) and 3 months after the surgery, bone union was observed. One year after the internal fixation of the intertrochanteric fracture, she complained of the left hip joint pain without any trauma, and the X-ray showed a subcapital fracture of the femur. She underwent nail removal and was treated with a bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a change in the signal intensity of the entire head, and pathological findings revealed osteonecrosis. Normally, the reaction of bone resorption occurs below the necrosis area. We believe that the avascular necrosis (AVN) of the whole femoral head made the subcapital area fragile, resulting in a subcapital fracture. CONCLUSIONS: We should consider AVN of the whole femoral head as a potential cause of subcapital fracture after SFN fixation of intertrochanteric fractures.

The "Trigonometric Technique" for simple measurement of volar angulation in boxers' fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Subcapital fractures of the 5th metacarpal bone (MCV) represent a common injury. Volar angulation measurement is essential for treatment decision-making and therefore needs a reliable and valid method. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a new technique for volar angulation measurement, called the "Trigonometric Technique" (TT), and to compare the TT with the reference standard based on computed tomography (CT). HYPOTHESIS: Quantifying volar angulation in MCV neck fractures with the TT shows no difference compared to the angle measured on CT scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (14 men and 1 woman) with a mean age of 37±16years (range, from 16 to 72 years) who suffered MCV neck fracture and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this prospective cohort study. Radiologic investigation included simple dorsopalmar (DP) radiographs and CT scans from the injured hand. Volar angulation measurements were performed by three observers at two time points comparing the TT to measurements obtained on CT scans. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were determined to assess inter- and intra-observer reliability. RESULTS: The TT showed a mean volar angulation of 39±5 degrees (range, from 26 to 46 degrees) compared to 41±7 degrees (range, from 28 to 54 degrees) on CT measurement, which revealed a significant correlation between the two measurement techniques (R=0.922, p<0.001). Overall, the inter-rater (R=0.977; 95% CI 0.945-0.992) as well as intra-rater (R=0.857; 95% CI 0.739-0.941) reliability for the volar angulation using the TT was excellent. CONCLUSION: The TT presented in this study uses plain radiography and trigonometric identities to precisely determine volar angulation in MCV neck fractures. The TT correlates excellently with the obtained volar angulation angles measured on CT scans. We recommend the TT for volar angulation measurement in boxer's fracture as a reliable alternative to the conventional techniques. However, rotational abnormalities may remain undetected and should therefore be ruled out during clinical examination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, study of diagnostic test.

Fibrin sealant reduces need for transfusions after hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Every year more than 300,000 proximal femur fractures are diagnosed. Their number will double within 30 years. In femoral neck fractures treated with hip hemiarthroplasty 90-days mortality is 29.5-51.6%. Haemorrhage is one amongst other complications that is associated with increasing postoperative mortality. Transfusion rate in these patients ranges from 25.7% to 39%. Blood transfusions expose to complications. Fibrin sealants are useful in reducing perioperative need for transfusions, total blood loss, blood loss from drainage. The aim of this study is to assess whether the use of a fibrin sealant during hip hemiarthroplasty implant reduces the need for transfusion. PATIENT AND METHODS: All patients admitted with a proximal femur fracture from September 2018 to May 2019 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: femoral neck fracture AO 31B2-3, hip hemiarthroplasty. Exclusion criteria were: previous surgery on the affected hip, coagulation disorders, hematopoietic disorders. Patients were divided in fibrin sealant group and control group. All patients underwent partial hip replacement through a posterolateral approach. 4 ml of fibrin sealant (EVICEL, Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, Diegem, Belgium) were sprayed on the soft tissues of patients included in the fibrin sealant group. Primary outcome of our study was need for perioperative transfusion. Secondary outcomes were: mean red blood cell transfused volume, variations in haematocrit and haemoglobin and total blood volume loss. RESULTS: Eighty-one consecutive patients were enrolled. EVICEL was used on 19 patients, standard haemostatic care on 62 patients. Two patients were transfused in the fibrin sealant group, 22 in the control group (p 0,0371). Mean transfused volume was 21,05 ml in the fibrin sealant group and 116,16 ml in the control group (p 0,0017). No significant difference could be found in haematocrit and haemoglobin variation and total blood loss. DISCUSSION: A reduction in transfusional need with the use of fibrin sealants was reported in studies on total hip arthroplasty and was confirmed by our study. CONCLUSION: EVICEL reduces need for transfusion in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture. It must be held among the options when a stricter control on transfusional requirement is needed.

Instability of the hip after anatomical re-alignment in patients with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

AIMS: Several studies have reported the safety and efficacy of subcapital re-alignment for patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using surgical dislocation of the hip and an extended retinacular flap. Instability of the hip and dislocation as a consequence of this surgery has only recently gained attention. We discuss this problem with some illustrative cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the literature on the possible pathophysiological causes and surgical steps associated with the risk of post-operative instability and articular damage. In addition, we describe supplementary steps that could be used to avoid these problems. RESULTS: The causes of instability may be divided into three main groups: the first includes causes directly related to SCFE (acetabular labral damage, severe abrasion of the acetabular cartilage, flattening of the acetabular roof and a bell-shaped deformity of the epiphysis); the second, causes not related to the SCFE (acetabular orientation and poor quality of the soft tissues); the third, causes directly related to the surgery (capsulotomy, division of the ligamentum teres, shortening of the femoral neck, pelvi-trochanteric impingement, previous proximal femoral osteotomy and post-operative positioning of the leg). CONCLUSION: We present examples drawn from our clinical practice, as well as possible ways of reducing the risks of these complications, and of correcting them if they happen. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:16-21.

Fracturas subtrocantéricas periosteosíntesis tras fijación de fracturas de cuello femoral con tornillos canulados / Periosteosynthesis subtrochanteric fractures after fixation of femoral neck fractures with cannulated screws

Resumen: Introducción: el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la incidencia y factores predisponentes en las fracturas subtrocantéreas sobre caderas tratadas previamente con tornillos canulados tras sufrir una fractura subcapital, con base en ocho casos registrados en los últimos 20 años. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo observacional sobre una serie de pacientes con el diagnóstico de fractura subtrocantérica de cadera, los cuales habían sido tratados en los últimos meses de una fractura subcapital de la misma cadera mediante osteosíntesis con tornillos canulados. El período de estudio fue de 20 años (2000-2020). Resultados: de los ocho casos, cinco eran mujeres y tres hombres, con una media de edad de 75.12 años (rango 59-87 años). En todos los casos, la fractura subtrocantérica ocurrió antes de un año tras la primera fractura, el tiempo transcurrido entre las dos fracturas fue de cuatro meses de media (rango de uno a nueve meses). En cuanto a la disposición de los tornillos canulados, la mayoría de casos 7/8 fue en forma de triángulo de vértice superior y sólo un caso en forma de triángulo invertido o vértice inferior. El punto de entrada en la cortical externa femoral fue a nivel del trocánter menor en seis casos y en dos casos dicha entrada era distal al trocánter menor. Conclusión: según nuestra experiencia, en la etiología de las fracturas subtrocantéricas, la introducción de los tornillos distales al trocánter menor y la distribución de los tornillos en forma triangular son los dos factores predisponentes objetivables principales.

Abstract: Introduction: the objective of this study was to analyze the incidence and predisposing factors in subtrochanteric fractures on hips previously treated with cannulated screws after suffering a subcapital fracture, based on eight cases registered in the last 20 years. Material and methods: this is a retrospective observational study on a series of patients with a diagnosis of subtrochanteric hip fracture, who have been treated in recent months for a subcapital fracture of the same hip by osteosynthesis with cannulated screws. The study period was 20 years (2000-2020). Results: of the eight cases, five were women and three were men, with a mean age of 75.12 years (range 59-87 years). In all cases, the subtrochanteric fracture occurred within a year after the first fracture, the time elapsed between the two fractures was four months on average (range 1-9 months). Regarding the disposition of the cannulated screws, most of the 7/8 cases were in the shape of an upper vertex triangle, and only one case was in the shape of an inverted triangle or lower vertex. The entry point into the femoral external cortex was at the level of the lesser trochanter in six cases, and in two cases this entry was distal to the lesser trochanter. Conclusion: in our experience, in the etiology of subtrochanteric fractures, the introduction of screws distal to the lesser trochanter, and the distribution of the screws in a triangular shape are the two main objective predisposing factors.

Simultaneous Bilateral Femur Neck Fracture in A Young Adult with Chronic Renal Failure- A Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Pathological bilateral femoral neck fracture due to renal osteodystrophy is rare. This is a report of a chronic renal failure patient who had sustained bilateral intra-capsular displaced fracture neck of femur following an episode of convulsion and the difficulties encountered in early diagnosis and treatment. The pathophysiology of renal osteodystrophy and the treatment of hip fractures in patients with renal failure are also discussed. CASE REPORT: A 23 years old male patient admitted with h/o dysuria, pyuria and loss of appetite since 3 months. He was a known case of chronic renal failure and reflux nephropathy. On investigating, patient's renal parameters were high and he was started with haemodialysis. The next day patient had c/o bilateral hip pain and inability to move bilateral lower limbs following an episode of seizure. Radiograph of pelvis showed vertical sub capital fractures of bilateral neck of femur. In this patient, considering his age, general condition & prognosis, an elective surgery in the form of bilateral uncemented modular bipolar hemiarthroplasty was done. CONCLUSION: Overall risk of hip fracture among patients with chronic renal failure is considerably higher than in the general population, independent of age and gender. Simultaneous spontaneous bilateral fractures of the femoral neck are rare and a delayed diagnosis is usual. The study of etiological factors of these fractures is essential to guide us in choosing the treatment of choice. Obviously patient's age, life expectancy as well as renal co morbidity has an influence over deciding treatment and outcome.

Subcapital osteotomy of the femoral neck for patients with healed slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of subcapital osteotomy of the femoral neck in the management of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) resulting from a healed slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). We believe this is only the second such study in the literature. We studied eight patients (eight hips) with symptomatic FAI after a moderate to severe healed SCFE. There were six male and two female patients, with a mean age of 17.8 years (13 to 29). All patients underwent a subcapital intracapsular osteotomy of the femoral neck after surgical hip dislocation and creation of an extended retinacular soft-tissue flap. The mean follow-up was 41 months (20 to 84). Clinical assessment included measurement of range of movement, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis score (WOMAC). Radiological assessment included pre- and post-operative calculation of the anterior slip angle (ASA) and lateral slip angle (LSA), the anterior offset angle (AOA) and centre head-trochanteric distance (CTD). The mean HHS at final follow-up was 92.5 (85 to 100), and the mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function were 1.3 (0 to 4), 1.4 (0 to 6) and 3.6 (0 to 19) respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in all the radiological measurements post-operatively. The mean ASA improved from 36.6° (29° to 44°) to 10.3° (5° to 17°) (p < 0.01). The mean LSA improved from 36.6° (31° to 43°) to 15.4° (8° to 21°) (p < 0.01). The mean AOA decreased from 64.4° (50° to 78°) 32.0° (25° to 39°) post-operatively (p < 0.01). The mean CTD improved from -8.2 mm (-13.8 to +3.1) to +2.8 mm (-7.6 to +11.0) (p < 0.01). Two patients underwent further surgery for nonunion. No patient suffered avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Subcapital osteotomy for patients with a healed SCFE is more challenging than subcapital re-orientation in those with an acute or sub-acute SCFE and an open physis. An effective correction of the deformity, however, can be achieved with relief of symptoms related to impingement.

A clearly observable cold fracture line of an early occult hip fracture on bone scintigraphy.

Although a true fracture is commonly associated with increased radionuclide uptake on bone scintigraphy, it is also possible for an area with no increased uptake (a cold line) to indicate fracture, as demonstrated in this case study. Detection of an occult acute hip fracture through recognition of a cold fracture line is important because of the associated therapeutic, economic, and medicolegal implications.