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Analysis of using antirotational device on cephalomedullary nail for proximal femoral fractures Please cite this article as: Takano MI, de Moraes RCP, de Almeida LGMP, Queiroz RD. Análise do emprego do parafuso antirrotacionalnos dispositivos cefalomedulares nas fraturas do fêmur proximal. Rev Bras Ortop. 2014;49:17–24. ,☆☆ ☆☆ Study conducted at Hip Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstracts

Objective:

To analyze the influence of femoral neck diameter in the positioning of the sliding screw in cefalomedulares nails for treatment of unstable transtrochanteric fractures.

Methods:

Prospectively throughout 2011, patients with unstable fractures transtrochanteric undergoing osteosynthesis with cephalomedullary nail using antirotacional device. They were evaluated for sex, age and fracture classification according to Tronzo. Through digital radiographs angle reduction, tip apex distance (TAD), stem diameter and measures between the positioning of the screws and the limits of the cervix were measured.

Results:

Of the 58 patients, 42 (72.4%) were female and 16 (27.6%) were male. 33 patients were classified as Tronzo III (56.9%), 6 patients as Tronzo IV (10.4%) and 19 as Tronzo V (19.8%). The majority were in between the eighth and ninth decade of life. The average reduction in the angle was 130.05° for females and 129.4° for males. The TAD average was 19.7 mm for females and 21.6 for males. The average diameter of the neck and head vary with statistical significance between men and women. In 19 patients the placement of the sliding bolt can be optimal. If the ideal positioning was not possible, the mean displacement for non-infringement of higher cortical neck was 4.06 mm.

Conclusion:

The optimal placement would not be possible for the majority of the population, for the average diameter of the neck of the sample.

Hip fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone nails


Objetivo:

analisar a influência do dispositivo antirrotacional no posicionamento do parafuso deslizante das hastes cefalomedulares usadas no tratamento das fraturas transtrocanterianas.

Métodos:

estudo prospectivo de série de casos composta por 58 pacientes com diagnóstico de fraturas transtrocanterianas instáveis submetidos à osteossíntese com haste cefalomedular dotada de dispositivo antirrotacional. A casuística foi avaliada quanto a sexo, idade e classificação da fratura. Os parâmetros radiográficos avaliados no pós-operatório imediato foram: ângulo de redução, limites anatômicos, distância "ponta-ápice" (TAD), deslocamento do parafuso deslizante em relação ao eixo central do colo femoral e posicionamento do dispositivo antirrotacional.

Resultados:

houve preponderância do sexo feminino, com maioria na oitava e nona décadas de vida. Foram classificados como Tronzo III 33 pacientes (56,9%), seis como Tronzo IV (10,4%) e 19 como Tronzo V (19,8%). O ângulo de redução médio no sexo feminino foi 130,5º e 129,4º no masculino. O diâmetro médio do colo e da cabeça variou com significância estatística entre homens e mulheres. O TAD médio foi de 19,7 mm no sexo feminino e 21,6 mm no masculino. Em 10 pacientes (17,85%) o TAD foi superior a 25 mm. Em 19 pacientes (33,9%) a colocação do parafuso deslizante poderia ocorrer no eixo central do colo. O deslocamento médio do implante para não violação da cortical superior do colo foi de 4,06mm do eixo central.

Conclusão:

no implante estudado, dotado de dispositivo antirrotacional, o posicionamento do parafuso deslizante no eixo central do colo está condicionado a diâmetro mínimo de 34 mm do colo femoral.

Fraturas do quadril; Fixação interna de fraturas; Pinos ortopédicos


Introduction

The transtrochanteric fractures correspond to extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur included between the greater and lesser trochanters.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,22. Guimarães FAM, Lima RR, Souza AC, Livani B, Belangero WD. Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes idosos um ano após o tratamento cirúrgico de fraturas transtrocanterianas do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46 Suppl 1:48-55. Of the annual 250,000 proximal femoral fractures in the U.S.A., 25% are transtrochanteric.33. Kyle RF. Fractures of the proximal part of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;76(6):924-50.,44. Fratura transtrocanteriana. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2009;55:637-40. Disponível em: <http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci arttext&pid=S010442302009000600004&lng=en&nrm=iso>. Acesso em 8 de maio de 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-42302009000600004
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
Each year, in developed countries this lesion affects one in every 1000 people. It is estimated that in 2050 the incidence will be three times higher33. Kyle RF. Fractures of the proximal part of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;76(6):924-50.,55. Haidukewych GJ. Intertrochanteric fractures: ten tips to improve results. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91(3):712-9. and the annual cost of US$ 8 bil lion will be duplicated.33. Kyle RF. Fractures of the proximal part of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;76(6):924-50.,66. Cummings SR, Rubin SM, Black D. The future of hip fractures in the United States Numbers, costs, and potential effects of postmenopausal estrogen. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1990;(252):163-6. Thus, worldwide these fractures are considered as a major public health problem.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,22. Guimarães FAM, Lima RR, Souza AC, Livani B, Belangero WD. Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes idosos um ano após o tratamento cirúrgico de fraturas transtrocanterianas do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46 Suppl 1:48-55.

These are the most frequent fractures, with higher associated mortality rate (12-41% in the first six months),77. Russel TA. Intertrochanteric fractures. In: Bucholz RW, Heckman JD, Court-Brown CM, Tornetta 3rd P, editors. Rockwood and Green's fractures in adults. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010. p. 1597-640. and 90% of them, arising from low-energy trauma, occur in patients older than 65 years.88. Kaplan K, Miyamoto R, Levine BR, Egol KA, Zuckerman JD. Surgical management of hip fractures: an evidence-based review of the literature II. Intertrochanteric fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008;16(11):665-73.

Usually, the treatment is surgical. Only exceptionally the procedure will be conservative in patients with comorbidities thatcontraindicate anesthesia, surgery, or both.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,88. Kaplan K, Miyamoto R, Levine BR, Egol KA, Zuckerman JD. Surgical management of hip fractures: an evidence-based review of the literature II. Intertrochanteric fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008;16(11):665-73.,99. Guimarães JAM, Guimarães ACA, Franco JS. Avaliação do emprego da haste femoral curta na fratura trocantérica instável do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2008;43(9):406-17. It is essential that the stability of the fracture be determined, so that the surgeon can properly choose the method to be employed. Unstable fractures are those lesions involving the posterior-medial cortex and that feature reverse trace or subtrochanteric extension.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,88. Kaplan K, Miyamoto R, Levine BR, Egol KA, Zuckerman JD. Surgical management of hip fractures: an evidence-based review of the literature II. Intertrochanteric fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008;16(11):665-73. Recently, the critical importance of the lateral cortex in regional stability was recognized.1010. Kulkarni GL, Kulkarni M, Kulkarni S. Intertrochanteric fractures. Indian J Orthop. 2006;40(1):16-23.

11. Gotfried Y. The lateral trochanteric wall. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004;425:82-6.

12. Müller ME. Classification and international AO-Documentation of femur fractures. Unfallheilkunde. 1980;83(5):251-9.
-1313. Tronzo RG. Symposium on fractures of the hip Special considerations in management. Orthop Clin North Am. 1974;5(3):571-83.

In stable fractures, the implant of choice is the sliding hip screw (DHS); however, because of the biomechanical advantages of intramedullary location, cephalomedullary implants have been advocated for the treatment of unstable fractures.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,1414. Schipper IB, Steyerberg EW, Castelein RM, van der Heijden FH, den Hoed PT, Kerver AJ, et al. Treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures Randomised comparison of gamma nail and the proximal femoral nail. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86(1):86-9.

15. Baumgaertner MR, Curtin SL, Lindskog DM. Intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Clin Orthop Related Res. 1998;(348):87-9.

16. Bridle SH, Patel AD, Bircher M, Calvert PT. Fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. A randomized prospective comparison of the gamma nail and the dynamic hip screw. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1991;73(2):330-4.
-1717. Schipper IB, Bresina S, Wahl D, Linke B, van Vugt AB, Schneider E, et al. Biomechanical evaluation of the proximal femoral nail. Clin Orthop Related Res. 2002;(405):277-86.

Both for DHS and for cephalomedullary pins, placing the sliding screw in the correct position is crucial to the success of osteosynthesis. The method of Baumgartner corresponds to the parameter of good positioning currently more accepted.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9. Anatomical characteristics of certain populations and factors related to the experience of the surgeon were related to a placement not always considered "ideal" for these implants.1818. Pu JS, Liu L, Wang GL, Fang Y, Yang TF. Results of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in elderly Chinese patients. Int Orthop. 2009;33(5):1441-4.

19. Gadegone WM, Salphale YS. Short proximal femoral nail fixation for trochanteric fractures. J Orthop Surg. 2010;18(1):39-44.
-2020. Heinert G, Parker MJ. Intramedullary osteosynthesis of complex proximal femoral fractures with the Targon PF nail. Injury. 2007;38(11):1294-9.

In the evolution process of cephalomedullary pins, the anti-rotational device evolved in order to provide additional stability to the system, both at the time of its implementation and in maintaining the reduction until the consolidation. However, the presence of an anti-rotational device is related to early complications arising from its position, and later, like as a "Z effect."(11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,2121. Kawatani Y, Nishida K, Anraku Y, Kunitabe K, Tsutsumi Y. Clinical results of trochanteric fractures treated with the Targon® proximal femur intramedullary nailing fixation system. Injury. 201;42(Suppl 4):S22-7.

The present study aimed to analyze the influence of the use of anti-rotational device in cephalomedullary pins used in our institution in the average displacement of the sliding screw in its positioning along the central axis of the femoral neck. Furthermore, our study aims to determine the percentage of patients whose tip-apex distance was beyond the recommended measure, and the relation of minimum diameter of femoral neck for implant positioning.

Materials and methods

The study was submitted to and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE). All patients signed an informed consent to participate.

From January to December 2011, a case series comprised of 58 patients admitted to the emergency room of the HSPE with preoperative radiographic diagnosis of unstable proximal femur fracture was prospectively analyzed. The participants were evaluated for age, gender, and fracture classification. According to the classification of Tronzo,1313. Tronzo RG. Symposium on fractures of the hip Special considerations in management. Orthop Clin North Am. 1974;5(3):571-83. fractures type III, variant III, IV and V (Fig. 1) were considered unstable. In the osteosynthesis, we employed the principle of relative stability, with the cephalomedullary tutor used in our institution. The surgical technique was common to all patients and consisted of an indirect reduction of the fracture and osteosynthesis in orthopedic table by the closed focus technique, with the aid of fluoroscopy.

Fig. 1
- Tronzo’s classification

We used pins with a distal diameter of 10 or 12 mm and with a single proximal diameter of 17 mm, mediolateral angle of 6° and cervicodiaphyseal angle of 130° between the neck and the intramedullary nail screws. The choice of implant was taken after preoperative planning, according to the cervicodiaphyseal angle of the proximal end of the contralateral femur and the diameter of the medullary diaphyseal region. All patients received antithrombotic and antibiotic prophylaxis.

Two cases were excluded because, during the operation, it was decided not to use the anti-rotational device. These patients were considered only in the assessment of gender, age and Tronzo's classification.

In the immediate post-operative period, plain digital radiographies (anteroposterior [AP] and profile [P] views) of the pelvis and of the hip ipsilateral to the osteosynthesis were obtained, according to the standardization proposed by Polesello et al.2222. Polesello GC, Nakao TS, Queiroz MC, Daniachi D, Ricioli Junior W, Guimaraes RP, et al. Proposta de padronização do estudo radiográfico do quadril e da pelve. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(6):634-42. In AP view, the patient was positioned supine with the legs in internal rotation of 15-20° and with the beam of X-rays directed at the midline just above the pubic symphysis. In Acelin's profile view, the patient was positioned supine with 90° of flexion of the contralateral hip, with the X-ray tube angled at 45° cranially in the horizontal plane, toward the root of the affected thigh (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
- Standard positioning for AP and P radiographs

With the use of filing and transmission system Impax® (version 6.3.1.7501, AGFA Health Care NV), the measures (in millimeters) of the diameter of the femoral head at its greatest axis, diameter of the neck in its smaller thickness (AB), angle of reduction, distance between the center of the sliding screw and the top edge of the anti-rotational device (ZX), and distance from the center of the sliding screw to the inferior margin of the neck (XB) were digitally obtained in the AP position. The central axis of the neck was determined using the midpoint of the smaller thickness of the femoral neck (AB).

The distance from the tip of the screw to the apex of the femoral head was assessed in AP and P (Tip Apex Distance, TAD) views, according to Baumgartner and Solbert method. Fig. 3 shows schematically the points of reference used for these measurements, and Fig. 4 demonstrates the use of digital tools of the Impax® program for obtaining the aforementioned measures.

Fig. 3
- Reference points for the proposed measures. AB: diameter of the femoral neck in its smaller thickness. AB': radius of the femoral neck. X: axis of sliding screw. Z: line tangent to the upper edge of the anti-rotational device. ZX: distance from the axis of the screw to the upper edge of the anti-rotational device
Fig. 4
- Use of Impax® for the taking of measures. (A) AP radiograph of the pelvis, as described. (B) Diameter of the neck and head. (C) Angle of reduction. (D) TAD in AP. (E) TAD in PF. (F) Distance ZX.

The value of ZX (15 mm) is constant and supplied by the manufacturer. Such information was confirmed in an implant sample with the use of a universal caliper (Fig. 5). To ensure reliability of the data obtained, we applied as individual correction factor for each measurement made the relation of the measurement of ZX obtained on the digital radiography versus value provided by the manufacturer.

Fig. 5
- True measure of distance ZX, with universal caliper

Considering as ideal the positioning of the sliding screw on the central axis of the neck, we examined the feasibility of this positioning in our sample with the analysis of the minimum neck diameter required and its relation to the size of ZX. Then, we attributed the minimum distance of 2 mm from each osseous margin and determined the equation: AB = (ZX +2) 2. As the value ofZX corresponds to 15 mm, the minimum size of the femoral neck for such positioning is 34mm. Then, we calculated the percentage ofthe sample in which the positioning here considered as ideal could be obtained.

We measured the average separation of the sliding screw in relation to the central axis of the neck in situations where an optimum positioning cannot be achieved.

The analyses of the quantitative variables were evaluated statistically with respect to the mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum. In the comparison between the genders, we applied the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. The qualitative variables were evaluated for distribution of absolute and relative frequencies, and their associations were tested by Pearson Chi-square test or Fisher exact test, when the approximation of the first test was not appropriate. The significance level used in these tests was 5%, and optional two-tailed hypotheses always were considered.

Results

Of the 58 patients in the series, 42 (72.4%) were women and 16 (27.6%) men. In the analysis of the age distribution, most of the study patients were between the eighth and ninth decades of life, and there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison between genders (Table 1).

Table 1
- Age distribution by gender

Regarding the classification of the fracture and according to Table 2, 33 (56.9%) patients were grouped as Tronzo III, six (10.4%) as Tronzo IV, and 19 (19.8%) as Tronzo V. The associative analysis between Tronzo's classification and gender revealed no statistically significant difference.

Table 2
- Association between gender and Tronzo’s classification (P = 0.7744)

With the help of standard X-rays, we obtained data concerning the angle of reduction achieved during the intraoperatory period and the implant positioning; no statistical significance was demonstrated when comparing gender, according to Table 3.

Table 3
- Intraoperative parameters related to the reduction and implant positioning

Regarding the TAD, it was observed that in 46 cases (82.15%) the values were smaller than 25 mm, thus being considered ideal.

A comparison of neck and head diameter values of the selected patients showed statistically significant differences between genders, which also occurred for the measure of Z_X (Table 4).

Table 4
- Diameter of femoral head and neck obtained according to gender

Applying the correction factor for each individual measurement, values taken as real were obtained. These values are shown in Table 5.

Table 5
- Spreadsheet with values obtained after applying the individual correction of measurement factor

Given the corrected diameter of the femoral neck, it was found that an ideal positioning would be possible in 19 patients with CI (95%) = 21.8%; 47.8% (Table 6).

Table 6
- Percentage of patients whose placement of the system could be ideal

For those cases in which the position of the sliding screw could not be ideal, the mean inferior separation value (XB) found with relation to the central axis was 4.06 (Table 7).

Table 7
- Displacement of the system in relation to the central axis

Discussion

The treatment of unstable transtrochanteric fractures with use of cephalomedullary pins presents biomechanical advantages due to its intramedullary location, such as reducing the bending moment, better rotational control, shortening, and collapse in varus.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,1414. Schipper IB, Steyerberg EW, Castelein RM, van der Heijden FH, den Hoed PT, Kerver AJ, et al. Treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures Randomised comparison of gamma nail and the proximal femoral nail. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86(1):86-9.

15. Baumgaertner MR, Curtin SL, Lindskog DM. Intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Clin Orthop Related Res. 1998;(348):87-9.

16. Bridle SH, Patel AD, Bircher M, Calvert PT. Fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. A randomized prospective comparison of the gamma nail and the dynamic hip screw. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1991;73(2):330-4.
-1717. Schipper IB, Bresina S, Wahl D, Linke B, van Vugt AB, Schneider E, et al. Biomechanical evaluation of the proximal femoral nail. Clin Orthop Related Res. 2002;(405):277-86. Although controversial, there are reports of superiority of cephalomedullary pins versus DHS in relation to early return to ambulation, reduced surgical time, and less blood loss.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,88. Kaplan K, Miyamoto R, Levine BR, Egol KA, Zuckerman JD. Surgical management of hip fractures: an evidence-based review of the literature II. Intertrochanteric fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008;16(11):665-73. ,1919. Gadegone WM, Salphale YS. Short proximal femoral nail fixation for trochanteric fractures. J Orthop Surg. 2010;18(1):39-44. Thus, at our institution cephalomedullary pins are applied in the treatment of unstable fractures.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.

Regarding the epidemiological findings observed in the present study, there is a vast literature attesting the female predominance and an age close to 80 years in other series11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,99. Guimarães JAM, Guimarães ACA, Franco JS. Avaliação do emprego da haste femoral curta na fratura trocantérica instável do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2008;43(9):406-17.,1818. Pu JS, Liu L, Wang GL, Fang Y, Yang TF. Results of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in elderly Chinese patients. Int Orthop. 2009;33(5):1441-4.,2121. Kawatani Y, Nishida K, Anraku Y, Kunitabe K, Tsutsumi Y. Clinical results of trochanteric fractures treated with the Targon® proximal femur intramedullary nailing fixation system. Injury. 201;42(Suppl 4):S22-7.,2323. Hungria Neto JO, Dias CR, Almeida JDB. Características epidemiológicas e causas da fratura do terço proximal do fêmur em idosos. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(6):660-7.. This reflects the decrease in bone mineral density. We found no statistically significant difference between the ages of male and female patients.

Although the pattern fracture of reverse obliquity (Tronzo V or AO 31 A3) has been reported as the most frequent type in some case series of unstable fractures,99. Guimarães JAM, Guimarães ACA, Franco JS. Avaliação do emprego da haste femoral curta na fratura trocantérica instável do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2008;43(9):406-17.,2424. Ertürer RE, Sönmez MM, Sari S, Seçkin MF, Kara A, Öztürk I. Intramedullary osteosynthesis of instable intertrochanteric femur fractures with Proflim® nail in elderly patients. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2010;46(2):107-12. most studies have described as the most prevalent types those classified as Tronzo III or IV (or AO 31 A2), 11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.,1818. Pu JS, Liu L, Wang GL, Fang Y, Yang TF. Results of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in elderly Chinese patients. Int Orthop. 2009;33(5):1441-4.,2525. Chou DT, Taylor AM, Boulton C, Moran CG. Reverse oblique intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with the intramedullary hip screw (IMHS). Injury. 2012;43(6):817-21.,2626. Sahin S, Ertürer E, Öztürk I, Toker S, Seçkin F, Akman S. Radiographic and functional results of osteosynthesis using the proximal femoral nail antirotacional (PFNA) in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2010;44(2):127-34. which agrees with our results. When comparing males and females, we found no statistically significant differences in relation to fracture type according to the classification of Tronzo.

According to Werner-Tutschku et al.,2727. Werner-Tutschku W, Lajtai G, Schmiedhuber G, Lang T, Pirkl C, Orthner E. Intra-and perioperative complications in the stabilization of per-and subtrochanteric femoral fractures by means of PFN. Unfallchirurg. 2002;105(10):881-5. the main predictor of the cutout is unsatisfactory initial reduction, especially in varus, besides favoring Trendelenburg gait.

We found a mean value of 130.5° for men (with a standard deviation of 10.42) and 129.40° (9.81) for women, and this assessment was not statistically significant. These findings are similar to those found in another study with unstable transtrochanteric fractures.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9.

There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison between male and female genders in the measurements related to diameter of the head and neck. When comparing the bone structure of the neck in young and elderly subjects of Chinese and Caucasian origin, Wang et al.2828. Wang XF, Duan Y, Beck TJ, Seeman E. Varying contributions of growth and ageing to racial and sex differences in femoral neck structure in old age. Bone. 2005;36(6):978-86. showed that male subjects have larger diameters, that this value tends to increase with age, being higher in populations of white origin. According to Pu et al.,1818. Pu JS, Liu L, Wang GL, Fang Y, Yang TF. Results of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in elderly Chinese patients. Int Orthop. 2009;33(5):1441-4. as the Chinese population is of lower stature than that of the European subjects, the length of the proximal femur and the diameter of the femoral neck are also smaller, which leads to the inappropriate positioning of the cephalomedullary pin's spiral blade used in the study, or to redundancy of the proximal end of the pin. In the utilization of the cephalomedullary pin used in our service, the minimum diameter for an optimal placement is 34 mm, which corresponds to twice the Z_X measure, taking into account a thickness of cortical (top and bottom) of 4mm. In our series, in only 19 patients (32.8%) the placement of the sliding screw could be performed in the situation regarded as ideal by our methodology. Extrapolating the confidence interval for the Brazilian population, only in 21.8-17.8% of patients in 95% of the time the implant could be placed optimally (i.e., the center of the sliding screw located along the central axis of the neck).

According to Baumgaertner et al.,1515. Baumgaertner MR, Curtin SL, Lindskog DM. Intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Clin Orthop Related Res. 1998;(348):87-9. the correct implant placement occurs when the distance between the tip of the sliding screw and the femoral head center does not exceed 25 mm after the sum of the values obtained on anteroposterior and profile views (tip-apex index, or TAD < 25 mm). This facilitates the telescoping of the dynamic system of the implant and reduces the risk of cutout.99. Guimarães JAM, Guimarães ACA, Franco JS. Avaliação do emprego da haste femoral curta na fratura trocantérica instável do fêmur. Rev Bras Ortop. 2008;43(9):406-17. Although described for osteosynthesis with DHS, the method can be used to assess the correct positioning of the cephalomedullary pins.11. Borger RA, Leite FA, Araújo RP, Pereira TFN, Queiroz RD. Avaliação prospectiva, radiográfica e funcional do tratamento das fraturas trocantéricas instáveis do fêmur com haste cefalomedular. Rev Bras Ortop. 2011;46(4):380-9. However, in pins with two proximal fixation screws, there is difficulty in the positioning of the sliding screw in the center of the femoral head in the anteroposterior view. Thus, there is a greater tendency for the positioning of the sliding screw in a more inferior location in the AP radiographic view, particularly in patients with short femoral neck and head.2121. Kawatani Y, Nishida K, Anraku Y, Kunitabe K, Tsutsumi Y. Clinical results of trochanteric fractures treated with the Targon® proximal femur intramedullary nailing fixation system. Injury. 201;42(Suppl 4):S22-7. The location of the screws in the profile position is not affected, since the screws are parallel. In the osteosynthesis using the cephalomedullary pin in question, the mean displacement necessary for the introduction of the nail without violating the anti-rotational upper cortical neck was of 4.6 mm (i.e., the amount of downward displacement of the system, in millimeters, from the axis of the femoral neck). To calculate the required displacement of the sliding screw relative the central axis of the neck in situations where this option is not possible, the following formula: = displacement required = 34 mm - neck size (AB) was applied.

Conclusion

Considering the mean diameter of the neck in our sample, the positioning on the central axis of the neck would not be possible for the majority of the population.

Considering the implant studied, the minimum size of the neck which allows positioning the central axis is 34mm.

In situations where the positioning in the central axis is not possible due to the minimal size of the neck, the downward displacement required can be calculated by the formula: displacement required = 34 - neck size (AB).

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  • Please cite this article as: Takano MI, de Moraes RCP, de Almeida LGMP, Queiroz RD. Análise do emprego do parafuso antirrotacionalnos dispositivos cefalomedulares nas fraturas do fêmur proximal. Rev Bras Ortop. 2014;49:17–24.
  • ☆☆
    Study conducted at Hip Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: ramoncpm@yahoo.com.br (R.C.P. de Moraes).
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jan-Feb 2014

History

  • Received
    09 May 2013
  • Accepted
    16 May 2013
Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Al. Lorena, 427 14º andar, 01424-000 São Paulo - SP - Brasil, Tel.: 55 11 2137-5400 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: rbo@sbot.org.br