Medial migration of the helical blade with penetration into the acetabulum: a rare complication using the TFNA nail.

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency and possible reasons of medial migration with penetration into the acetabulum (MMPA) of the helical blade when using the Trochanteric Fixation Nail Advanced (TFNA) is used for treatment of pertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

All patients with pertrochanteric femoral fracture, treated by intramedullary femoral nailing with the TFNA, were retrospectively reviewed for MMPA of the helical blade. Epidemiological parameters, additional procedures, distance of medial migration, time from primary operation to revision as well as type of revision were assessed.

RESULTS

4 of 153 patients treated with the TFNA developed an MMPA of the helical blade (risk = 2.6%), with a mean medial migration of the blade of 11.6 mm (SD 8.8). The mean time from initial operation to revision surgery was 70 days (SD 30). All patients were revised by conversion to cemented total hip arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

MMPA of the helical blade is a rare but potentially hazardous complication of femoral nailing with the TFNA femoral nail, resulting in the necessity for revision surgery and total hip arthroplasty.