Peri-implant fractures after Intramedullary fixation for femoral trochanteric fracture: a multicenter (TRON Group) study.

BACKGROUND

With the rise in elderly populations, the incidence of femoral trochanteric fractures has also increased. Although intramedullary nail therapy is commonly used, the incidence of peri-implant fractures (PIFs) as a complication and its associated factors are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PIFs and treatment strategies and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study across 11 hospitals from 2016 to 2020 examined 1855 patients with femoral trochanter fracture. After excluding 69 patients treated without intramedullary nailing, 1786 patients were analyzed. Parameters studied included age, sex, body mass index, medical history, and treatment methods. PIFs were categorized using the Chan classification. Treatment outcomes and patient mobility were assessed using the Parker Mobility Score, and postoperative complications and one-year survival data were compiled.

RESULTS

The incidence of PIFs was 8 in 1786 cases. Chan classification showed 1 case of N1A, 6 of N2A, and 1 of N2B. Only the type N1 case was a transverse fracture, whereas all cases of type N2 were oblique fractures. Among these cases, five patients had fractures extending to the upper part of the femoral condyle. The patient with N1A and one bedridden patient with N2A fracture underwent conservative treatment, one patient with N2A in which the fracture did not extend to the condyle was treated with nail replacement, and 5 patients (N2A: 4, N2B: 1) with fractures extending to the condyle were treated with additional plate fixation. All patients had survived at one year after treatment for PIF, and no reoperations were required.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PIF was very low (0.45%). Of the 6 PIF cases, excluding the bedridden patients, the treatment of choice for PIF was an additional plate if the fracture line extended to the femoral condyle; otherwise, the nail was replaced. All patients achieved bony fusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV.