Radiological findings and outcomes of anterior wall fractures in pertrochanteric fractures

Background: Anterior wall fractures with comminution at the anterior cortex in pertrochanteric fractures are relatively rare. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical findings of anterior wall fractures in this comparative cohort study.

Methods: We reviewed 516 consecutive patients who underwent internal fixation. Anterior wall fractures were classified into three types: proximal, distal, and proximal/distal. Outcome measures included demographic data, residual anterior cortex length, fracture reduction, tip-apex distance (TAD), sliding distance, bone union, and revision surgery. We compared radiological outcomes between patients with anterior wall fractures and posterior comminuted fractures without an anterior wall fracture. The groups were matched for age and sex.

Results: Anterior wall fractures were noted in 44 patients (8.5%). Residual anterior cortex length was shorter for the proximal/distal type. The distal type was the most common, was the most difficult to achieve an acceptable reduction status for, and was associated with the longest sliding distance. The proportion of unacceptable reduction status was higher for anterior wall fractures. However, there were no statistically significant differences between anterior wall fractures and posterior comminuted fractures without an anterior wall fracture in terms of TAD, sliding distance, bone union, and revision rate.

Conclusions: This study suggests that anterior wall fracture is not a significant predictor of over-sliding distance.