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Cement augmentation may improve implant stability for intertrochanteric fractures
Dall’Oca C. Injury. 2010;41:1150-1155. Doi:10.1016/j.injury.2010.09.026.
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Cement augmentation of intertrochanteric fractures may improve implant mechanical stability and lead to early functional recovery, according to Italian researchers.
The researchers included 80 patients (56 women) with osteoporosis and an unstable intertrochanteric fracture, defined as a fracture with three or more fragments. The average patient age was 84 years. The researchers assigned the patients to one of two groups. Group A received a cement augmentation technique, and group B received a gamma nail conventional technique. The surgeons completed the augmentation with MetilMetacrilate (Mendec Spine, Tecres) inserted through the cannulated cephalic screw at its apex.
The researchers tracked the length of operating time and early functional recovery using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). They used radiography to assess the tip-apex distance index and development of implant-related complications.
In group A, the average postoperative HHS score was 48.2 at 1 month , 54.37 at 3 months, 54.71 at 6 months and 57.91 at 12 months. The average postoperative HHS score for group B was 49.31 at 1 month, 53.56 at 3 months, 56.42 at 6 months and 59.86 at 12 months. On average, hemoglobin dropped 1.55 g/dL for group A and 1.05 g/dL for group B. Complications were limited to one case of joint penetration with a guide wire and a small amount of cement leakage.