Extra Medullary Fixation in Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures by PF-LCP

Purpose

Perception that extra-medullary fixation of these fractures are fraught with difficulties and deficiencies is becoming inappropriate. This device provides angular stable fixation retaining fracture biology with minimum interference to osseous and soft-tissue vascularity and it does not require reaming which destroys 80% of endosteal vasculature for 6–12 weeks. PFLCP averts iatrogenic fracture in lateral trochanteric wall (LTW) which is frequent with DHS, protects LTW from secondary fracture in post-operative period. Aim is to assess outcome of unstable proximal femur fracture fixation by PFLCP.

Methods

Study included 64 from 2016 to 2020, divided in two groups. (A) Unstable intertrochanteric fracture and (B) subtrochanteric fracture (Seinsheimer types II–V). All fractures fixed by MIPO with PFLCP. Loss of reduction, infection, cut-out, cut-through, backing of screws, bending or breaking of plate and screw, malunion, non-union and revision were evaluated. Fracture healing and functional recovery assessed by Reborne Score and Parker Mobility Score (PMS) respectively.

Results

Out of 64, 24 achieved pre-injury PMS, 32 declined by 1 point, 6 declined by 2 points and 1 by 3 points, one required revision. Using various parameters 37.5% patients had excellent results and 50% had good results, 9.38% had average and 3.12% had poor result. None reported non-union or breakage of plate.

Conclusions

PFLCP provides angular stable fixation, torsional stability with high biomechanical strength to resist deforming stresses. MIPO avoids soft-tissue stripping reducing blood-loss, retains periosteal blood supply to inter-fragmentary bone fragments, enhancing fracture healing, reducing complications, such as delayed healing, nonunion, infection and implant failure.