Minimally invasive dynamic hip screw: prospective randomized trial of two techniques of insertion of a standard dynamic fixation device.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the safety and outcome of a minimally invasive technique for inserting a standard dynamic hip screw for intertrochanteric fractures.

HYPOTHESIS

The use of standard plate in a minimally invasive technique is both possible and advantageous to patient outcome.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective surgeon-randomized blinded outcome clinical study comparing new technique to conventional technique.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Pain, operative time and mean hemoglobin drop in percutaneous hip fixation.

RESULTS

The minimally invasive technique had significantly less blood loss (P < 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001) and a trend to less morphine use.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimal invasive technique significantly reduces blood loss and operative time for fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures without sacrifice of fixation stability or bone healing.