Prevention of complications after treatment of proximal femoral fractures

Instr Course Lect. 2009:58:13-9.

Abstract

Two factors are primarily responsible for complications after treatment of proximal femoral fractures. First, the strong deforming forces across the hip joint and proximal femur can make fracture reduction difficult. Second, the placement of the implant affects fracture healing and outcome more dramatically than in other areas of the body. In subtrochanteric fractures, the use of appropriate reduction and stabilization techniques can prevent varus malreduction and subsequent failure of the fixation device. In intertrochanteric fractures, lag screw cutout can be prevented by correct implant positioning. In femoral neck fractures, nonunion can be avoided by careful attention to reduction and hardware positioning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Screws
  • External Fixators / adverse effects*
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / complications
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Healing*
  • Fractures, Ununited / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*