• Hip & pelvis
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between the type and stability of intertrochanteric fractures caused by low-energy trauma and gluteus muscle volume. Materials and Methods: A total of 205 elderly (>65 years) patients with intertrochanteric fractures caused by low-energy trauma treated from January 2018 to December 2020 were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 81.24 years (range, 65-100 years). Fractures were classified according to the Jensen modification of the Evans classification. The cross-sectional area of the contralateral gluteus muscle (minimus, medius, and maximus) was measured in preoperative axial computed tomography slices. An analysis and comparison of age, body mass index (BMI), weight, height, and the gluteus muscle area in each fracture type group was performed. Results: In the uni-variable analysis, statistically significant taller height was observed in patients in the stable intertrochanteric fracture (modified Evans 1 and 2) group compared with those in the unstable intertrochanteric fracture (modified Evans 3, 4, and 5) group (P<0.05). In addition, significantly higher BMI-adjusted gluteus muscle area (gluteus muscle area/BMI) was observed for the stable intertrochanteric fracture group compared with the unstable intertrochanteric fracture group except for the BMI-adjusted gluteus minimus area (P=0.112). In multivariable analysis, only the BMI-adjusted gluteus maximus (P=0.042) and total gluteus areas (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the stable group. Conclusion: Gluteal muscularity around the hip, especially the gluteus maximus, had a significant effect on the stability of intertrochanteric fractures.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.108-121
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• 2023

Purpose: The primary objective of the current study is to demonstrate the trochanteric wiring technique. A secondary objective is to evaluate the clinico-radiological outcomes of use of the wiring technique during primary arthroplasty for treatment of unstable and failed intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: A prospective study including follow-up of 127 patients with unstable and failed intertrochanteric fractures who underwent primary hip arthroplasty using novel multi-planar trochanteric wiring was conducted. The average follow-up period was 17.8±4.7 months. Clinical assessment was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS). Radiographic evaluation was performed for assessment of union of the trochanter and any mechanical failure. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: At the latest follow-up, the mean HHS showed significant improvement from 79.9±1.8 (at three months) to 91.6±5.1 (P<0.05). In addition, no significant difference in the HHS was observed between male and female patients (P=0.29) and between fresh and failed intertrochanteric fractures (P=0.08). Union was achieved in all cases of fractured trochanter, except one. Wire breakage was observed in three patients. There were five cases of limb length discrepancy, three cases of lurch, and three cases of wire-related bursitis. There were no cases of dislocation or infection. Radiographs showed stable prosthesis in situ with no evidence of subsidence. Conclusion: Use of the proposed wiring technique was helpful in restoring the abductor level arm and multi-planar stability, which enabled better rehabilitation and resulted in excellent clinical and radiological outcomes with minimal risk of mechanical failure.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.223-230
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• 2024

With the increasing use of primary hip arthroplasty for management of intertrochanteric fractures, firm fixation and union of the greater trochanteric (GT) fragment are required during hip arthroplasty for management of intertrochanteric fractures. Various methods have been suggested to address this issue. However, displacement of the GT is a frequent occurrence. We have introduced a cement-filling technique for performance of hip arthroplasty of the proximal femur for achievement of immediate firm fixation of the GT. Cement filling during performance of hip arthroplasty for management of femoral intertrochanteric fractures is a valuable technique for preventing displacement of the GT and to encourage early mobilization.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.193-199
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• 2023

Purpose: Cephalomedullary (CM) nailing is widely performed in treatment of elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures. However, in cases of fixation failure, re-operation is usually necessary, thus determining factors that may contribute to fixation failure is important. In this study, we examined factors affecting the occurrence of fixation failure, such as age or fracture stability, after CM nailing in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively using registered data. From April 2011 to December 2018, CM nailing was performed in 378 cases diagnosed with femoral intertrochanteric fractures, and 201 cases were finally registered. Cases involving patients who were bed-ridden before injury, who died from causes unrelated to surgery, and those with a follow-up period less than six months were excluded. Results: Fixation failure occurred in eight cases. Comparison of the surgical success and fixation failure group showed that the mean age was significantly higher in the fixation failure group compared with the control group (81.3±6.4 vs. 86.4±6.8; P=0.034). A significantly high proportion of unstable fractures was also observed (139/54 vs. 3/5; P=0.040), with a significantly high ratio of intramedullary reduction (176/17 vs. 5/3; P=0.034). A significantly higher ratio of unstable fractures compared with that of stable fractures was observed in the intramedullary reduction group (132/49 vs. 10/10; P=0.033). Conclusion: Fixation failure of CM nailing is likely to occur in patients who are elderly or have unstable fracture patterns. Thus, care should be taken in order to avoid intramedullary reduction.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.246-252
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare short-term results from use of the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the conventional posterolateral approach (PLA) in performance of bipolar hemiarthroplasty for treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 100 patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty was conducted. The PLA was used in 50 cases from 2016 to 2019; since that time we have used the DAA in 50 cases from 2019 to 2021. Measurements of mean operative time, blood loss, hospitalization period, and ambulation status, greater trochanter (GT) migration and stem subsidence were performed. And the incidence of complications was examined. Results: Operative time was 73.60±14.56 minutes in the PLA group and 79.80±8.89 minutes in the DAA group (P<0.05). However, after experiencing 20 cases using DAA, there was no statistically difference in operative time between two groups (P=0.331). Blood loss was 380.76±180.67 mL in the PLA group and 318.14± 138.51 mL in the DAA group (P<0.05). The hospitalization was 23.76±11.89 days in the PLA group and 21.45 ±4.18 days in the DAA group (P=0.207). In both groups, there were no progressive GT migration, intraoperative fractures or dislocations, although there was one case of infection in the PLA group. Conclusion: Although use of the DAA in performance of bipolar hemiarthroplasty required slightly more time in the beginning compared with the PLA, the DAA may well be an alternative, safe surgical technique as a muscle preserving procedure in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.144-154
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• 2024

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess postoperative direct medical expenses and medical utilization of elderly patients who underwent either hemiarthroplasty (HA) or internal fixation (IF) for treatment of a femoral intertrochanteric fracture and to analyze differences according to surgical methods and age groups. Materials and Methods: Data from the 2011 to 2018 Korean National Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database were used. Risk-set matching was performed for selection of controls representing patients with the same sex, age, and year of surgery. A comparative interrupted time series analysis was performed for evaluation of differences in medical expenses and utilization between the two groups. Results: A total of 10,405 patients who underwent IF surgery and 10,405 control patients who underwent HA surgery were included. Medical expenses were 18% lower in the IF group compared to the HA group during the first year after the fracture (difference-in-difference [DID] estimate ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.87, P<0.001), and 9% lower in the second year (DID estimate ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, P=0.018). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the IF group compared to the HA group during the first two years after time zero in the age ≥80 group. Conclusion: A noticeable increase in medical expenses was observed for patients who underwent HA for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures compared to those who underwent IF over a two-year period after surgery. Therefore, consideration of such findings is critical when designing healthcare policy support for management of intertrochanteric fractures.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the direct anterior approach (DAA) can be applied to hemiarthroplasty for treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 34 cases (34 patients) who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a DAA from February 2019 to April 2020. The mean age of the patients was 82.68 years (range, 67-95 years). A cementless distal fixation hip system was used in all cases. Operation time, total amount of blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative fractures, infections, and reoperations were measured. The patients performed weight-bearing walking as tolerated immediately after surgery. Measurement of migration of the greater trochanter (GT) and progressive subsidence of the femoral stem was performed using follow-up radiographs. Results: The mean operative time was 83.50 minutes (range, 60-120 minutes). The mean amount of bleeding was 263.53 mL (range, 112-464 mL). Walking started a mean of 3.03 days (range, 3-4 days) after surgery. There was no case of progressive migration of the GT more than 5 mm even though it was not fixed. There were no cases of infection, dislocation, or reoperation. Conclusion: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the DAA for treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures could be considered a useful option that provides many advantages in elderly patients.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.254-259
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• 2018

Purpose: Internal fixation using compression hip screws (CHS) and traction tables placing patients in the supine position is a gold standard option for treating intertrochanteric fractures; however, at our institution, we approach this treatment with patients in a lateral decubitus position. Here, the results of 100 consecutive elderly (i.e., ${\geq}45$ years of age) patients who underwent internal fixation with CHS in lateral decubitus position are analyzed. Materials and Methods: Between March 2009 and May 2011, 100 consecutive elderly patients who underwent internal fixation with CHS for femoral intertrochanteric fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes (i.e., Koval score, Harris hip score [HHS]) and radiographic outcomes (i.e., bone union time, amount of sliding of lag screw, tip-apex distance [TAD]) were evaluated. Results: Clinical assessments revealed that the average postoperative Koval score decreased from 1.4 to 2.6 (range, 0-5; P<0.05); HHS was 85 (range, 72-90); and mean bone union time was 5.0 (range, 2.0-8.2) months. Radiographic assessments revealed that anteroposterior average TAD was 6.95 (range, 1.27-14.63) mm; lateral average TAD was 7.26 (range, 1.20-18.43) mm; total average TAD was 14.21 (range, 2.47-28.66) mm; average lag screw sliding was 4.63 (range, 0-44.81) mm; and average angulation was varus $0.72^{\circ}$(range, $-7.6^{\circ}-12.7^{\circ}$). There were no cases of screw tip migration or nonunion, however, there were four cases of excessive screw sliding and six cases of varus angulation at more than $5^{\circ}$. Conclusion: CHS fixation in lateral decubitus position provides favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. This technique is advisable for regular CHS fixation of intertrochanteric fractures.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.241-253
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare cemented and cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures via meta-analysis and systematic review of relevant studies. Materials and Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on 31 available clinical studies; 19 of these studies used cemented stems, 12 used cementless stems, one used both types of stems, and two studies involved a comparative analysis of both stem types. Results: There were statistically significant differences in rates of leg length discrepancy (LLD) greater than 1 cm between the cemented (event rate, 0.089) and cementless groups (event rate, 0.015 and 0.047; P=0.03). Conclusion: Cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty and cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed on elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture revealed similar mortality and complication rates; however, the rate of LLD greater than 1 cm was significantly higher in the cemented group compared with the cementless group.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2023

Purpose: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty has recently been acknowledged as an effective option for treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture. Trochanteric fragment nonunion can cause postoperative weakness of the abductor muscle and dislocation; therefore, reduction and fixation of the fragment is essential. The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation and analysis of the outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a useful wiring technique for management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: A total of 217 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a cementless stem and a wiring technique for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures (AO/OTA classification 31-A2) at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were included in this study. Evaluation of clinical outcomes was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS) and the ambulatory capacity reported by patients was classified according to Koval stage at six months postoperatively. Evaluation of radiologic outcomes for subsidence, breakage of wiring, and loosening was also performed using plain radiographs at six months postoperatively. Results: Among 217 patients, five patients died during the follow-up period as a result of problems unrelated to the operation. The mean HHS was 75±12 and the mean Koval category before the injury was 2.5±1.8. A broken wire was detected around the greater trochanter and lesser trochanter in 25 patients (11.5%). The mean distance of stem subsidence was 2.2±1.7 mm. Conclusion: Our wiring fixation technique can be regarded as an effective additional surgical option for fixation of trochanteric fracture fragments during performance of bipolar hemiarthroplasty.