Two-year follow-up of 320 patients
- M. Parker, MBChB, FRCSEd, MD, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon1
; - S. Cawley, RGN, Orthopaedic Research Nurse1; and
- V. Palial, MBChB, MRCS, Orthopaedic Registrar1
+Author Affiliations
- Correspondence should be sent to Dr M. J. Parker; e-mail: Martyn.Parker@pbh-tr.nhs.uk
Abstract
A consecutive series of 320 patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip treated with a dynamic locking plate (Targon Femoral Neck (TFN)) were reviewed. All surviving patients were followed for a minimum of two years. During the follow-up period 109 patients died.
There were 112 undisplaced fractures, of which three (2.7%) developed nonunion or re-displacement and five (4.5%) developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Revision to an arthroplasty was required for five patients (4.5%). A further six patients (5.4%) had elective removal of the plate and screws.
There were 208 displaced fractures, of which 32 (15.4%) developed nonunion or re-displacement and 23 (11.1%) developed avascular necrosis. A further four patients (1.9%) developed a secondary fracture around the TFN. Revision to a hip replacement was required for 43 patients (20.7%) patients and a further seven (3.3%) had elective removal of the plate and screws.
It is suggested that the stronger distal fixation combined with rotational stability may lead to a reduced incidence of complications related to the healing of the fracture when compared with other contemporary fixation devices but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1402–5.
Footnotes
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The author or one or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. In addition, benefits have been or will be directed to a research fund, foundation, educational institution, or other non-profit organisation with which one or more of the authors are associated.
This article was primary edited by D. Rowley and first-proof edited by J. Scott.
- Received December 21, 2012.
- Accepted June 19, 2013.
