Minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and long InterTAN nail fixation for Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures: a case series describing the technique and results.

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures is extremely challenging due to the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining anatomic reduction and effective fixation. The purpose of this study was to describe a surgical technique for minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and long InterTAN nail fixation to manage Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures and report the clinical and radiological results.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures between March 2015 and June 2021. A total of 30 patients treated via minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction, long InterTAN nail fixation and selective augmentation with a cerclage cable were included. The following data were collected and evaluated: patient demographics, operative time, blood loss, reduction quality, tip apex distance (TAD), time to bone union, Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog score (VAS), and complications.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 30 patients was 64.8 years (range: 36-90 years). The mean operative time was 102.2 min (range: 70-150 min). The mean loss of blood was 318.3 ml (range: 150-600 ml). The reduction quality involved 27 cases of anatomic reduction and 3 cases of satisfactory reduction. The mean TAD was 16.3 mm (range: 8-24 mm). The mean follow-up time was 18.9 months (range: 12-48 months). The mean fracture healing time was 4.5 months (range: 3-8 months). The mean Harris score was 88.2 (range: 71-100), and the VAS score was 0.7 (range: 0-3). Delayed union of the subtrochanteric fracture site occurred in two patients. The limb length discrepancy, which was determined in 3 patients, was < 10 mm. There were no significant complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction with long InterTAN nail fixation is encouraging for Seinsheimer Type V subtrochanteric fractures, resulting in excellent reduction and fixation. Additionally, this reduction technique is simple, reliable, and effective in reducing and maintaining subtrochanteric fractures, particularly when intertrochanteric fractures are irreducible.