Comparison of the Surgical Outcome between the Multiple Screw Fixation and Fixed Angle Devices for the Basicervical Femoral Neck Fractures.

Introduction: Basicervical femoral neck fracture (FNF) is an uncommon type of femoral neck fracture and is associated with an increased risk of fixation failure due to its inherent instability. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical parameters and reoperation rate between the use of a multiple cannulated screw (MCS) and fixed angle device (FAD) in treating basicervical FNFs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 885 patients who underwent internal fixation between May 2004 and August 2019 to determine basicervical FNF with at least 12 months of follow-up. Among the identified 77 patients with basicervical FNF, 17 patients who underwent multiple cannulated screw (MCS) fixation and 36 patients who underwent fixed angle device (FAD) fixation were included. We compared the rates of fracture-site collapse and reoperations according to the fixation device. Results: Among the 53 patients with basicervical FNF, 13 patients (24.5%) sustained surgical complications (8 collapses of fracture site and 5 reoperations). The reoperation rate in the MCS group was significantly higher than that in the FAD group (23.5% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.016), without any significant difference in the collapse of the fracture site (11.8% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.642). Conclusions: Although basicervical FNF was rare among hip fractures, fracture site collapse was prevalent and prone to fixation failure. Surgeons should keep this in mind, and consider FAD for basicervical FNF.

Multiple cannulated screw fixation of young femoral neck fractures.

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to analyze the factors affecting the results of multiple cannulated screws fixation in patients less than 60 years old with femoral neck fracture (FNF). METHODS: We reviewed 52 patients (30 males, 22 females) who were treated with multiple cannulated screws fixation for FNFs. They were followed up for more than one year during January 2002 to December 2012. They were classified by Garden's classification. The anatomic reduction was evaluated by Garden's alignment index on hip both anteroposterior and lateral images. Postoperative complications were analyzed during follow up periods. RESULTS: By Garden's classification, 6 cases were in stage I, 13 cases in stage II, 30 cases in stage III and 3 cases in stage IV. During follow up periods, avascular necrosis of the femoral head was observed in 12 cases (23%) and nonunion was observed in 5 cases (9%). The 16 patients who had complications underwent total hip arthroplasty (31%). In non-displaced fracture groups (Garde I, II) did not have AVN nor nonunion. The incidence of complications in displaced fracture group was 51.5%. The complicated cases showed tendency for increased apex anterior angulation of femoral neck on hip lateral images and the result was statistically significant. (p=0.0260). CONCLUSION: The patients less than 60 years old who were treated with multiple cannulated screws fixation for displaced FNFs showed the incidence of complications was more than 50%. It needs a cautious approach for anatomical reduction, especially related to anterior angulation on hip lateral image.

The Feasibility of Multiple Fixation Points in C2.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis using three-dimensional simulation software for spinal screw placement and computed tomographic scan images. PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of achieving multiple (three or four) screw fixation points in C2 vertebra by using a combination of pedicle and laminar screws. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Secure C2 fixation using multiple screws is required or beneficial in some unique cases. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports analyzing the feasibility of multiple screw fixation in C2. METHODS: We used 1.0-mm interval computed tomographic scan images of 100 patients (50 men and 50 women) and screw trajectory simulation software. The diameter of all screws was set at 3.5 mm, considering its common usage in real surgery. The anatomical feasibility of placing both pedicle and laminar screws on the same side was evaluated. For all feasible sides, the three-dimensional distance between the screw entry points was measured. RESULTS: In 85% of cases, both pedicle and laminar screws could be placed on both sides, allowing for the insertion of 4 screws. In 11% of cases, 2 screws could be placed on one side, while only 1 screw was feasible on the other side, resulting in the placement of 3 screws. In all 181 sides where both types of screws could be inserted, the distance between their entry points exceeded 16.1 mm, which was sufficient to prevent the collision between the screw heads. CONCLUSIONS: C2 vertebra can accommodate three (11%) or four (85%) screws in 96% of cases.