INTRODUCTION: Trochanteric fractures are a leading cause of disability among the elderly. Internal fixation is the gold standard treatment. However, it may be challenging in the high-risk population. We present our results using external fixator in trochanteric fractures in the elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2005-2012, twenty-three high-risk elderly patients (average age 70 years) with trochanteric fracture were managed using percutaneous external fixation (EF). RESULTS: At one year follow-up, 86% returned to pre-fracture ambulatory status. Average time to fixator removal was 14 weeks. There were no cases of pin loosening, breakage, or penetration of femoral head. CONCLUSION: Advantages of EF include avoidance of delay, use of local/regional anesthesia, and shorter duration of surgery, blood loss and hospital stay. EF is an acceptable alternative in this patient population, given the associated co-morbidities and especially due to limited resources in developing countries.
INTRODUCTION: Trochanteric fractures are a leading cause of disability among the elderly. Internal fixation is the gold standard treatment. However, it may be challenging in the high-risk population. We present our results using external fixator in trochanteric fractures in the elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2005-2012, twenty-three high-risk elderly patients (average age 70 years) with trochanteric fracture were managed using percutaneous external fixation (EF). RESULTS: At one year follow-up, 86% returned to pre-fracture ambulatory status. Average time to fixator removal was 14 weeks. There were no cases of pin loosening, breakage, or penetration of femoral head. CONCLUSION: Advantages of EF include avoidance of delay, use of local/regional anesthesia, and shorter duration of surgery, blood loss and hospital stay. EF is an acceptable alternative in this patient population, given the associated co-morbidities and especially due to limited resources in developing countries.
Entities:
Keywords:
External fixation; Geriatric hip fracture; Trochanteric fracture
Authors: L S Rasmussen; T Johnson; H M Kuipers; D Kristensen; V D Siersma; P Vila; J Jolles; A Papaioannou; H Abildstrom; J H Silverstein; J A Bonal; J Raeder; I K Nielsen; K Korttila; L Munoz; C Dodds; C D Hanning; J T Moller Journal: Acta Anaesthesiol Scand Date: 2003-03 Impact factor: 2.105