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Introduction: The increase in hip arthroplasties predicts a rise in periprosthetic fractures in Morocco, posing challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Therapeutic strategies vary considerably, highlighting the absence of a universally accepted treatment protocol., Aim: To analyze the management of per-prosthetic hip fractures, while addressing the challenges associated with them., Methods: This was a retrospective study, conducted in the trauma-orthopedics department between December 2015 and November 2022. Nineteen patients who presented to the hospital with fractures around a hip prosthesis were included., Result: Nineteen periprosthetic fractures were observed. The majority of patients (68%) were women, with an average age of 68. The Vancouver classification showed that 52.6% of the fractures were type B1, and 21.1% type C, while the other fracture types were distributed differently. These fractures were mainly associated with diagnoses such as femoral neck fracture (63.2%) and coxarthrosis (31.6%). We observed variations in treatment recommendations and results between the different series analyzed. We noted discrepancies with certain series concerning fracture types and therapeutic choices. However, in our series, we achieved satisfactory results, with successful consolidation and the absence of complications in all patients., Conclusion: These results underline the importance of an individualized approach to fracture management, taking into account the specificities of each case.

Introduction: Proximal femur fractures are one of the most common injuries in older adults representing a serious health condition in developed as well as developing countries., Aim: This study aimed to assess the hospitalization costs of the proximal femur fracture., Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive study spread over six months about patients hospitalized and operated on for proximal femur fractures. In order to estimate the cost we referred to the nomenclature of professional acts and the prices set by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Finance., Results: The study included 100 patients, 55 females and 45 males with an average age of 76 years. The average hospital length of stay was 5 days. The preoperative stay was at a mean of three days. The average total hospitalization cost for these fractures was 2877 Tunisian Dinars depending on the type of fracture and surgical treatment. The main components of the costs were hospital stay costs and human resources costs 40%, cost of the implant 25.9%, cost of consumables 12%, operating cost 10%, cost of additional examinations 9% and cost of medications 2%., Conclusion: Proximal femur fractures represent an important cause of health resource consumption. To reduce the cost of hospital care, we recommend limiting the length of hospital stay as much as possible, investing in total hip and hemi-arthroplasties and adapting economical behavior taking into account the cost of consumables.

On January 1st, 2018, we established an orthogeriatrics (OG) unit for patients aged ≥ 70 years old with hip fracture, based on a purely geriatric management 24-hours post-operation. In this article we discuss the results of the implemented measures (geriatric follow-up with standardized protocols) on mortality after 6 weeks, operative delay, and complications. Among the 607 treated patients, the mortality rate was 6.75 %, which was unaffected by the average operative delay of 35 hours. Age, male gender, dependency status, cognitive disorder and malnutrition all significantly increased the mortality rate. Presenting at least one complication multiplied the mortality rate by 4.79, a cardiac complication by 3.92, and severe malnutrition by 4.95., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Hip fractures are common in the elderly, particularly due to an increased susceptibility to falls and greater bone frailty, especially in women. The consequences of such events are potentially serious. Early management (< 48 hours) significantly reduces the mortality and postoperative complications. Because of their comorbidities, older people are often on antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, or both. However, there are no definitive recommendations for the perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment in the early surgery of hip fractures. The purpose of this article is to review the management of these patients., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Fractures of the upper end of the femur (FUEF) are a serious complication for the elderly, affecting 1,3 million patients a year worldwide (1). Studies dedicated to the post-operative follow-up of patients operated on for hip fracture in the long term are rare. The aim was to determine the epidemiological and evolutionary profile focusing on morbidity and mortality (survival and functional and cognitive decline) in the year following surgery for FUEF in patients aged over 65. Methods: Prospective observational study. Geriatric data were collected at the time of surgical management of FUEF with postoperative assessment of vital, functional and cognitive status. Results: Over a period of 24 months, 119 patients underwent surgery in the Orthopaedics-Traumatology Department of the University Hospital of Annaba. The patients were initially all independent (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL] 4 ≥ 3) and had no pre-operative cognitive disorders. There were 32 men and 87 women. The mean age was (77,4 ± 8,2) years with extremes of 65 and 100 years. All lesions were unilateral, with a predominance on the right. Most were trochanteric fractures (72 %). The most common aetiological circumstances were falls following domestic accidents. Eighty-seven patients received spinal anaesthesia, 19 received a general anaesthetic and 13 received an epidural. The average intervention time was 5,11 ± 4,17 days, with extremes of zero and 18 days. Depending on the treatment performed, 14 Dynamic hip Screw (DHS), three centro-medullary nailings, 33 plate blades and 24 plate nails and 15 gamma nails, 28 Moore's prosthesis, 2 screwings. The average length of stay was seven days. The one-year mortality rate for the 119 patients was 19,3 %. Patients who died after one year were malnourished (13,2 %, p = 0,05) with high comorbidity (ASA 2(78 %) and ASA 3(13 %) (p < 0,01 and p = 0,05). Of the survivors, 27 % had postoperative cognitive decline. Death occurred on average at 82,17 days. Conclusion: FUEF remains a real public health problem in terms of its prevalence, prognosis and cost. The mortality rate of patients aged over 65 years at one year post-operatively following an ESF was 19 %, which calls for the creation of a specialised orthogeriatric unit.

Postoperative delirium is common after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients and is associated with poor outcome (higher risk of mortality, institutionalization and length of stay). The relationship between modifiable intra-operative risk factors, such as intra-operative hypotension, and postoperative delirium is unclear. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between intra-operative hypotension and the development of a postoperative delirium in older patients with hip fracture. A secondary aim was to assess the impact of other pre- and intra-operative predisposing factors (anaesthetic approaches or specific anaesthetic drugs, surgery duration, timing of surgery, type of implants used as primary treatment, intra-operative blood loss) on developing postoperative delirium in this elderly population. This retrospective monocentric study included 100 consecutive hip fracture patients, aged 75 years and older, admitted to a dedicated ortho-geriatric unit. All patients were screened for post-operative delirium using the confusion assessment method performed by a geriatrician. Intra-operative hypotension was defined as a decrease of more than 30% below the preoperative baseline for systolic blood pressure or a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 60 mmHg. Post-operative delirium (n = 37; 37.8%) and intra-operative hypotension (n = 80; 81.6%) are both common in old patients but we did not demonstrate a significant association regardless of the chosen definition. The following risk factors were significantly associated with postoperative delirium: surgical delay (OR 1.47[1.01-2.02]; p = 0.02), institutionalisation (OR 2.25[1.33-3.8]; p = 0.02) and postoperative acute kidney injury (OR 2.34[1.32-4.15]; p = 0.02). Postoperative delirium is common in old patients with hip fracture and is associated with postoperative complications, institutionalisation and surgical delay but not with intra-operative risk factors.

Objectives: Outcome in hip fracture patients tends to be poor, with an associated death rate of 20 to 33%. The primary aim of our monocentric retrospective study was to compare mortality rates one year after surgery in patients with extracapsular fracture versus patients with intracapsular fracture of the proximal femur. Our secondary aims were the evaluation of functional independence and the rate of institutionalization one year after surgery., Methods: We compared two groups of 100 patients. The first group had an average age of 83.2 years, and the patients underwent total hip replacement for intracapsular fracture. Patients in the second group, who underwent osteosynthesis for extracapsular fracture, were aged 83.6 years on average., Results: One year post-surgery, there was not a significant difference in mortality between the two groups (23% for extracapsular fracture vs 22% for intracapsular fracture). The rate of independent walking was significantly better in the intracapsular fracture group (42.3% vs 27.3%, p=0.047), and the rate of institutionalization was significantly higher in the extracapsular fracture group (35.8% vs 17.3%, p=0.043)., Conclusion: Elderly patients with hip fracture are prone to poor outcomes. When compared with osteosynthesis, total hip replacement does not lead to higher mortality rates though it is a more complex surgery. Our findings raise questions regarding of treatment for extracapsular fracture and the choice between osteosynthesis or total hip replacement with a reconstruction of the proximal femur.

Hip fracture in the elderly is associated with an increase in disability and mortality. Early intervention programs accelerate the recovery period and reduce mortality. The intervention of geriatricians, with direct responsibility during the acute phase, has demonstrated an optimal benefit, as well as joint management by a geriatrician and an orthopedist. Recruiting motivated patients, able to walk with or without help before the fracture and regardless of their cognitive level, ensures successful intervention and reduced costs. The most effective interventions are those aimed at recovery of activities of daily living, with occupational therapy and muscle training. Correction of protein and vitamin intake also has a significant effect on the patient's progress in rehabilitation., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Aim: Hip fracture management in a dedicated geriatric perioperative unit improves long-term mortality. In this "we report the" health economics evaluation of this geriatric perioperative care unit (UPOG)., Methods: This study was conducted in 2011. Direct expenditures were obtained from the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris database, indirect expenditures from the hospital cost accounting,and financial incomes from the PMSI Pilot programme. Emergency department incomes and expenditures were estimated together with additional incomes related to orthopaedic surgery. We estimated expenditures related to operating room (OR) activities in the framework of several models, one with an emergency OR open 24h/24, and one with a standard OR. Lastly, we compared incomes/expenditures according to regular paramedical staff or according to the paramedical staff that would appear to be necessary to ensure patient care., Results: 253 patients were admitted to the UPOG during the study J215 (84%) of whom underwent surgery. The income statement was positive for both an emergency OR (+741,000 Euros) and a standard OR ( +490,000 Euros) and remained positive when paramedical staff was increased (+629,000 and +156,000 Euros, respectively)., Conclusion: The UPOG income statement shows a positive result regardless of the model used, emergency 24h/24 OR or standard OR, and even when paramedical staff is increased

A case of pathological hip fracture associated with an epithelioid hemangioma is reported. Epithelioid hemangioma is a benign tumor, rarely localized in a bone. When the tumor is found on the skeleton, it generally involves a long bone. X-ray does not permit the differenciation of epithelioid hemangioma from other, malignant, vascular tumors. Therefore, the diagnosis requires surgery. Although no consensus treatment guidelines exist, the curettage--filling is most often proposed.

Unlabelled: The study objective was to evaluate the potential increase in fatal bleeding risk related to curative anticoagulation of asymptomatic deep venous thromboses diagnosed by routine ultrasound screening after total hip/knee replacement or hip fracture using data from a comprehensive literature review., Materials and Methods: Rates of venous thromboembolic and bleeding events occurring with recommended prophylaxis, and rates of iatrogenic bleeding risk induced by curative anticoagulation were extracted from randomized clinical trials, diagnosis codes at discharge, electronic databases, and observational studies. The fatal events rate was calculated for pulmonary embolism, major bleeding with prophylaxis, and iatrogenic bleeding from curative anticoagulation by multiplying the mean rate by its case-fatality rate. Fatal event rates were evaluated for 10,000 total hip or knee replacements and for 10,000 hip fractures., Results: For 10,000 patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement, five fatal pulmonary embolisms and two fatal bleedings are expected, despite recommended extension of thromboprophylaxis. Curative anticoagulation of asymptomatic venous thrombosis would add nine fatal bleedings, 8/9 related to distal thrombosis care. For 10,000 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, six fatal pulmonary embolisms and 23 fatal bleedings are expected. Curative anticoagulation of asymptomatic venous thrombosis would add 16 fatal bleedings, 14/16 related to distal thrombosis care., Conclusion: Curative anticoagulation of asymptomatic distal deep vein thromboses, leads to more fatal bleeding compared to avoidable fatal pulmonary embolism. These findings strengthen recommendations against routine ultrasound screening for asymptomatic distal deep vein thrombosis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Incidence of hip fractures increases dramatically in the aging population leading to increased admissions of frail old patients. The proof of concept of the efficacy of comprehensive geriatric assessment exists for non orthopaedic old subjects. This review identifies innovative models of care for the management of older adults with hip fracture, distinguished mainly on the basis of the role of the healthcare professionals involved in the care and their responsabilities. The managements are heterogeneous and the models are often combined. The choice to implement a model should depend of his level of evidence, the existing resources, and the willingness of both orthopaedic, and geriatric teams. The heterogeneity of the models, of the nature of interventions, of the populations and of the outcomes is challenging to undertake meta-analysis in order to choice one "universal" model. However there is a tendency to better overall outcomes in patient receiving co managed care: subjects admitted for hip fracture are often frail adults requiring a comprehensive management in order to identify and treat geriatric syndromes.

We report the use of continuous spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Preoperative evaluation, anesthetic technique and preoperative monitoring are discussed., (Copyright © 2012 Société française d’anesthésie et de réanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Hip fracture is a major health burden due to both its frequency and its deep impact on patient's outcome. The key issue of this poor outcome seems to be cardiac complications. The onset of these cardiac complications seems to appear early in the clinical course in the form of perioperative myocardial ischemia that are both preventable and treatable. Their clinical and electrocardiographic pattern is very poor and they can be thoroughly detected by only either a systematic electrocardiographic 12 lead monitoring or troponin dosage., (2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Health care administration is concerned about the escalating cost of geriatric trauma care and more specifically hip fracture (HF). By 2050, the wordwide annual incidence of HF among elderly people will be 4.5 million (predictible incidence in France: 150,000) and prevention will be more important than ever. The risk of hip fracture in older people increases exponentially with age. The main other risk factors are osteoporosis and osteopenia, gender, weight, physical activity. The most important cause of osteoporosis is the gradual bone loss that occurs after the menopause. Similarly, there is a strong association with gender: the female-to-male ratio of HF is greater than 2/1 in people over 50 years of age (mean age: 83.2 yrs in female and 79.6 yrs in male in France). One year mortality after hip fracture is remarkably high, around 20 to 30%., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier SAS.)

Hip femur is extremely common in the elderly and is one of the most common reasons for admission in trauma care. The main reported causes of death after hip fracture were cardiovascular (29%), neurological (20%) and pulmonary. Large epidemiological studies have shown a relatively small decrease in mortality for 20 years despite an active approach to medical and surgical management. Yet 57% of deaths occurring within 30 days post-surgery are preventable because they are not related to a pre-existing disease. Preoperative management to optimize these patients could help to reduce morbidity and mortality and is thus a crucial issue. The anesthesia consultation is used to evaluate the perioperative risk, treat pain, manage treatment and stabilize the patient. An operative delay of more than 48hours after admission increases mortality. This period should not be prolonged by unnecessary investigations that will not change the perioperative management. The preoperative period is a key moment because it allows to choose the anesthetic technique. Even if this choice is controversial, continuous spinal anesthesia (titrated) do not modify the cardiovascular and neurological physiological balance of these precarious patients., (2011. Published by Elsevier SAS.)

Hip fracture is a common condition associated with a poor outcome with 20-30% one-year mortality in the elderly. Autonomy and quality of life remains key considerations in this population. Emergency management should consider associated diseases and treatments, as well as fall and fracture. Management should target particular conditions such as pain, anemia and transfusion, time to surgery and occurrence of pressure sores, and should consider these as quality criteria. In this way, a new approach must be evaluated and requires an optimal cooperation between emergency physician, orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetists and geriatrician. Place and interest of new models of care such as orthogeriatrics unit have to be determined., (2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To determine the incidence and distribution of lower limb venous thrombosis diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography, including calf exploration, after total hip or knee replacement or hip fracture, and to compare them with the venographic results reported by recent randomized control trials testing new antithrombotic drugs., Patients and Methods: From January 2001 to December 2009, 30,510 standardized report forms incremented a database from which files corresponding to major orthopaedic surgery were selected: 1652 after total hip replacement (THR), 1440 after total knee replacement (TKR) and 2889 after hip fracture (HF). Base-line characteristics, incidence and anatomic distribution of venous thrombosis were analysed in the three populations., Results: Systematic screening was applied for 95.1% of the exams (n=5689). Incidence of total and proximal venous thrombosis was, respectively, 27.8% (n=460) and 2.8% (n=46) for THR, 32.5% (n=939) and 4.4% (n=126) for HF, and 50.3% (n=724) and 3.8% (n=55) for TKR. Venous thrombosis was distal in 89.3% (n=1896). More than half (n=1014) of distal venous thromboses were strictly muscular soleal locations. Ilio-caval thrombosis incidence was 0.18% (n=11), and superficial venous thrombosis incidence was 1.5% (n=89)., Conclusion: This study shows that incidence and distribution of venous thromboses diagnosed with a complete and standardized duplex ultrasonographic screening are very close to the rates published with venographic screening in recent trials., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Hip fracture in the elderly can be associated with dramatic issues like death in the year or severe handicap requiring admission in a nursing home. Implementation of a close cooperation between orthopaedic surgeon and geriatrician materialize in the creation of unit, known as orthogeriatric unit where the roles of each member are precisely defined from admission to discharge, with coordinated care protocols and standardized orders. Benefits of the orthogeriatric ward are clarified in this paper, referring to literature, with description of an improvement of functional score after 3 months, reduction of in-hospital mortality and post-operative complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the use of radiation therapy for the prevention of heterotopic ossification., Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients, 20 to 76 years old were irradiated for the prevention of heterotopic ossification. All patients received a postoperative irradiation consisting of 700 cGy delivered by 18 MV photons using a linear accelerator. The delay between surgery and irradiation was 24 hours for 20 patients, 48 hours for three patients, 72 hours for two patients and 96 hours for one patient. The follow-up of all patients was based on radiologic findings (Brooker score) as well as the clinical status of the articulation before and after surgery. Of the 14 cases for which follow-up data was available, seven received primary prophylaxis and seven received secondary prophylaxis., Results: Heterotopic ossification prophylaxis using radiation therapy was radiologically successful in 71.5% of patients: 85.7% success for patients receiving primary prophylaxis and 57.1% success for patients receiving secondary prophylaxis. No functional failure was reported. No patient developed radiation related side effects., Conclusion: Radiation therapy is proven to be effective in preventing heterotopic ossification. A larger study group is needed in order to compare our results with those seen in the literature.

Traumatic injuries of the hip, mostly fractures of the proximal femur, are in constant progression. Though morbidity has decreased due to improved surgical and anesthesiologic techniques and postsurgical rehabilitation, mortality from hip fractures remains significant. Radiographs of the hip remain helpful, but MDCT and MRI have become indispensable tools. Findings on imaging studies must be well characterized to ensure rapid and cost-effective management. Difficult or cases with imaging features that are difficult to interpret or misleading will be presented to avoid incorrect interpretations that could lead to inadequate management of patients.

We present a fixation system for trochanteric or subtrochjanteric fractures using a dynamic external fixator. The Citieffe/CH-N fixator was proposed for elderly patients with a significant operative risk (ASA III or IV). A long dynamic screw measuring 9 mm in diameter is inserted into the neck and the head of the femur on a guide wire through a tube protecting skin and muscles. This long screw is connected to the body of the fixator to enable impaction at the fracture level if compression is needed. The dynamic screw can be released to allow free gliding to achieve a dynamic fixation of the fracture. Distraction with the fixator can also be used for subtrochanteric unstable fractures to correct a varus deformity. This technique is a simple rapid solution with minimal operative risk. Complications are minimal and generally temporary, e.g. pin tract infections.

A 55-year-old woman with bipolar disorder who had been taking lithium for several years developed hyperosmolar coma following osteosynthesis of a hip fracture. The coma was attributed to decompensation of undiagnosed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus due to chronic lithium intake. The lengthy perioperative fasting and large fluid loading (necessitated by the anesthetic technique) led to acute hypernatremia. Closer monitoring and a different anesthetic strategy might have avoided this classical complication of chronic lithium therapy. The patient recovered after symptomatic treatment. We discuss the perioperative management of patients taking (or having taken) lithium, based on a review of the literature.

Introduction: The usefulness of peripheral femoral nerve block for pain management after hip fracture has been established. This prospective and randomised study compared the analgesia effect of a continuous femoral nerve block (CF) versus two conventional analgesia procedures after hip fracture., Patients and Methods: Patients. (n=62) scheduled for surgery under spinal anaesthesia were prospectively included. After surgery, analgesia (48 hours) was randomised: group FC (femoral catheter, anterior paravascular approach, initial bolus followed by continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2%), group P (iv 2 g propacetamol/6 hours), group M (sc morphine, 0.05 mg/kg per 4 hour). Intravenous morphine titration was performed, followed by subcutaneous (sc) morphine every 4 hours according to the VAS score. The primary end-point was the morphine requirements. Secondary end-points were VAS score, side effects, and mortality., Results: Demographic data and surgical procedures were similar between groups. After morphine titration, the VAS pain score did not differ between groups. All patients in-group M received additional morphine. Morphine mean consumption was increased in CF group: 26 mg (5-42) versus P: 8 mg (3-12) (p=0.0001) or M: 19 mg (8-33) (p<0.006) while constipation was decreased in P group vs CF. Percentage of patients requiring no morphine was similar between P (n=6; 28%) and CF (n=6; 28%) and greater than M (n=0; 0%). Hospital discharge, cardiovascular or pulmonary complications and mortality after 6 months showed no statistical difference., Conclusion: Continuous femoral nerve block provided limited pain relief after hip fracture did not reduced side effects and induced an expensive cost.

Although no cases have been reported to date, fracture of a sliding hip screw on a screw-plate fixation is a real entity since material watch registries have revealed two non-published cases. We report an illustrative case. A 67-year-old man was hospitalized for a right intertrochanteric fracture. The patient was treated with a sliding hip screw plate fixation (short cannon, 105 mm screw). On the eighth postoperative day, fracture impaction was present with complete loss of impaction reserve associated with secondary discrete divergence in the cannon-screw alignment. Weight-bearing was postponed until the 45th postoperative day. At three months, bone healing had not been achieved. A clear image was also visible at the plate end of the cannon. The patient complained of persistent pain but there were no signs of infection. At the fifth month, the patient fell from the standing position and standard x-rays visualized the nonunion of the intertrochanteric fracture plus a infratrochanteric diaphyseal fracture line in addition to a fracture of the sliding hip screw. The plate screws were intact. The patient underwent revision osteosynthesis with a Medoff plate. Fracture of a sliding hip screw is a rare event. In the present case, the mechanism involved an insufficient impaction reserve and use of a short cannon. Treatment requires extraction of the distal fragment of the screw and a new cemented osteosynthesis.

Purpose of the Study: Most pertrochanteric fractures can be successfully fixed with osteosynthesis. Osteosynthesis fails however is a small number of patients who require re-operation for implantation of a total hip prosthesis. This situation occurs in particular when the material has penetrated the acetabulum and in elderly subjects. Although this type of arthroplasty is routine practice, few series have been reported. We present here outcome and complications of total hip arthroplasty after failure of per- and sub-trochanteric fracture fixation., Material and Methods: Between 1990 and 2000, twenty patients aged 79 years on average (range 62-78 years) underwent revision for total hip arthroplasty after failure of osteosynthesis for fracture of the upper femur. A gliding THS had been used for fixation in 18 patients, a plate in one and a Gamma nail in one. Osteosynthesis failure was related to early disassembly in ten patients, pseudarthrosis in eight and malunion in two. Revision was performed via a posterolateral approach in all cases. A standard total hip prosthesis was used in 16 patients, a longer femoral stem was required in four. Femoral components were cemented in 18 patients and non-cemented in two. The cup was a standard cemented cup in 12, retaining and cemented in eight., Results: Mean operative time and blood loss were greater than in first-intention arthroplasties. All patients had lost their independence prior to the revision procedure. Despite their age, all recovered independence after a stay in rehabilitation. Most still required crutches. Use of a retaining cup enabled avoiding dislocation in all cases. For those who did not have a retaining cup, dislocation was the most frequent complication (3/12). The difficulties observed were: 1) elimination of associated infection before surgery; many of these elderly subjects had altered ESR and CRP values for various reasons; 2) abnormal position of the trochanteric mass because of a rotation defect; 3) malunion of the upper femur in the frontal or sagittal planes; 4) more or less easily achieved positioning of the femoral piece on the calcar; 5) difficult intraoperative identification of limb length due to loss of usual landmarks on the lesser and greater trochanter; 6) removal of fracture screws which sometimes required use of a trephine and bridging the last screw hole with a longer centromedullary stem. The most frequent postoperative orthopedic problems were leg length discrepancy (1-2 cm for eight patients), gluteus medius insufficiency, limping and pain at palpation of the trochanteric area., Discussion: Despite the difficult technique and the potential complications which are more important than for first-intention arthroplasties, this series demonstrates that total hip prosthesis is a reliable solution for treating fixation failures of the upper femur.

Purpose of the Study: The objective of this study was to compare the dynamic hip screw (Synthes) and intramedullary fixation (Targon PF, Aesculap) for the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures in terms of stability, complications and cost effectiveness., Material and Methods: This prospective randomized study included 60 patients hospitalized in an emergency setting for pertrochanteric fractures between December 2003 and June 2004. All surgeons in our unit participated in the study. Two fixation systems were used: the Targon proximal femoral nail (Aesculap) and the screw-plate dynamic hip screw (Synthes). We noted: patient status (ASA classification), operative data (type of implant, duration), postoperative data (blood loss, radiographic findings, early complications), and outcome (Harris score, time to walking, mortality). All patients were assessed three months after surgery. The series included 60 patients, 14 men (23%) and 46 women (77%). The Targon PF nail was used for 34 patients and the DHS for 26. In the intramedullary fixation group mean age was 81 years (SD = 12.8, range 23-96); it was 82 years (SD 9.8, range 47-97) in the screw-plate group. The AO classification was: intramedullary fixation 31A1 (n = 11), 31A2 (n = 20), 31A3 (n = 3); screw-plate 31A1 (n = 14), 31A2 (n = 11), 31A3 (n = 1). Thirty-one fractures were stable, 29 unstable. Unstable fractures were treated with the Targon PF nail (n = 18) and the DHS screw-plate (n = 11). Stable fractures were treated with the Targon PF nail (n = 15) and the DHS screw-plate (n = 15)., Results: Mean operative time was 35 minutes for intramedullary nailing and 42 mintues for screw-plate fixation. Mean blood loss was 410 ml for intramedullary nailing and 325 ml for screw-plate fixation (p = 0.07). Mean hospital stay was the same (11 days) in both groups. At three months, mechanical complications involved migration of the cervical screw outside the femoral head for three Targon PF fixations and for two DHS fixations. Screw migration was favored by fracture instability and presence of osteoporosis. There were two deaths in the intramedullary nailing group and one in the screw-plate group. Time to walking was 20 days on average in the intramedullary nailing group and 25 days in the screw-plate group. The mean Harris hip score was 60 in the intramedullary group and 59 in the screw-plate group., Discussion and Conclusion: Data in the literature report an advantage for intramedullary nailing, particularly a mechanical advantage, for the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures. Our findings show that good results are obtained with the screw-plate fixation using the DHS with less blood loss and at a lower cost.

We have used a minimally invasive technique for fixation of trochanteric fractures since 2003. We use the percuntaneous compression plate described by Gotfried. We describe here the osteosynthsis technique and our special approach which limits operative time. This technique avoids wide opening of the aponeurosis of the tensor fascia lata, major detachment, and section of the vastus lateralis. The plate is inserted via a 2-cm incision over the greater trochanter. Head and shaft screws are inserted via a second incision measuring 3 to 4 cm. Perfect reduction before plate insertion is the key to success. The results of our first twenty cases have demonstrated an uneventful postoperative period and a short operative time of 25 minutes on average. Peri-operative bleeding has been very limited. Radiographic healing was obtained in three months. Weight bearing was possible immediately after fixation in five cases and was delayed in fifteen. There were two early displacements which were analyzed.

Hip fractures are one of the leading causes for admission of elderly subjects to healthcare facilities. Because of population aging, the incidence of hip fractures has increased considerably over the last years and will continue to increase in industrialized countries. Hip fracture in an elderly subject may be life threatening and has a significant functional and social impact not only because of the fracture itself, but also because of the risk of complications related to the patient's health status and the long hospital stay. The purpose of this work was to identify in the published literature professional practices, excepting the surgical procedure, associated with better early and long-term outcome in elderly patients with hip fracture. Questions raised concerning the patient's hospital stay include factors related to the preoperative phase (time to surgery, usefulness of traction), the operation itself (antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthesia technique), and the postoperative phase (prevention of venous thrombosis, malnutrition, episodes of confusion, duration of indwelling bladder catheter, correction of anemia, geriatric care during the stay in the orthopedic ward, early and intense rehabilitation, prevention of recurrence). Among these factors, several appear to be associated with better outcome, including long-term outcome--surgery as early as possible in light of the patient's general status, antibiotic prophylaxis in accordance with standard recommendations (SFAR), prevention of venous thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin initiated at admission and associated with elastic contention. Oral nutritional support is probably beneficial and should be proposed for all patients. Particular attention must be given to prevention of confusion in order to reduce the rate of institutionalization. The rythm of rehabilitation exercises should be at least five sessions per week. Finally, there are several methods, which are effective in preventing recurrence, taking into account osteoporosis, risk of falls. Preventive measures should be instituted for all patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

In terms of frequency, trochanteric fractures represent one of the most common problems in adult traumatology. Considering their physical and psychological consequences, and the patients mean age, they constitute one of the most acute public health problems faced by the elderly. Surgical reduction is currently considered as preferred treatment. Stable fixation of the fracture focus by osteosynthesis allows early mobilization of the treated member, central axis of the body. A series of 35 patients with a mean age of 78, surgically treated with Gotfried percutaneous plating between June 1998 and August 2000, have been followed-up to full fracture healing. The fractures were divided according to the AO fracture classification system. All patients were treated with this minimally invasive technique, which consists of introducing a percutaneous compression plate through two tiny stab incisions. The results take into account the reduction quality, mean hospital stay, evolution, perioperative and postoperative complications. The patients early weight bearing has been possible from the third day after the operation. The mean perioperative blood loss was estimated to 90 mL. The mean mortality rate during hospital stay was 5.7%, and 11.4% after three months. The complications encountered comprised two cephalic screw cutouts, two plate breakages and one surgical wound infection. Linked to the quality of the bone, regardless of the material used, these complications are likely to those observed with other methods. This short sample allows to consider the percutaneous compression plating as a valid surgical technique, though it can be opposed the same critics than other trochanteric fractures treatments. However, it offers the benefits of a closed and rapidly performed surgical technique, theoretically beneficial to improve the vital prognosis for this type of fracture.

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who developed osteoarticular tuberculosis after dynamic hip screw osteosynthesis for a pertrocanteric fracture. Necrosis of the head and disassembly of the prosthetic material ensued. This patient had no history of pulmonary or extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Certain diagnosis was established on the basis of pathology findings and successful antibiotic treatment associated with surgery: ablation of the implant, head-neck resection, total hip arthroplasty. Two hypothetical pathogenic mechanisms can be put forward: hematogenic dissemination from another focus and reactivation of latent local infection.

Purpose of the Study: The standard gamma nail is commonly used for the treatment of trochanteric fractures but cannot be used if the fracture lies at the level of the distal locking. Theoretically, the long gamma nail would overcome this inconvenience and could be used for all cases of subtrochanteric and trochanteric-shaft fractures., Material and Methods: Clinical and radiological charts were established in 1990 for a multicentric study. The radiology work-up included an AP view of the pelvis and an oblique lateral view of the hip. Two classifications were used: Seinsheimer and Muller as modified by Nazarian. Three stages of fracture reduction were recorded: 1=anatomic reduction, 2=acceptable reduction, 3=poor reduction. From January 1995 to December 1999, 46 patients were treated with the long gamma nail. Twenty-four cases were excluded for various reasons (from which 3 early death). 22 remaining patients were followed for more than six months. Mean age was 68 years (range 42-96); there were six women and 16 men. Ten patients were traffic or work accident victims and 12 had had a home accident., Results: Mean duration of surgery was 70 minutes. Three patients required revision surgery within a week of the initial osteosynthesis. Mean hemoglobin level before surgery was 12.9 g/dl; 8.9 g/dl during the first postoperative week. Mean hospital stay was 14 days. Weight-bearing with support was possible early after surgery in 16 patients who walked with crutches or a walker. Mean delay to weight-bearing was 11 days. At three months, all patients were using an aid for walking; at six months, four patients used a walker. Bone healing was achieved on the average at the twelfth week. Radiological reduction was anatomic in four, acceptable in three and poor in 15., Discussion: We advocate the AO classification as it allows a structured analysis of all fractures within a unique system. We compared our results with nine series reported in the literature using other therapeutic methods (screw-plate, nail-plate, Ender nail). The operative time for the long gamma nail (70 min) was comparable with that for other surgical techniques. Treatment with the long gamma nail favors bone healing and limits the risk of infection. Radiological results in our series were poor, but there were no cases with nonunion and the morbidity was low.