Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether patients with a left-sided femoral neck fracture (FNF) treated with a sliding hip screw (SHS) had a higher implant failure rate than patients treated for a right-sided FNF. This was performed to determine the clinical relevance of the clockwise rotational torque of the femoral neck lag screw in a SHS, in relation to the rotational stability of left and right-sided FNFs after fixation. METHODS: Data were derived from the FAITH trial and Dutch Hip Fracture Audit (DHFA). Patients with a FNF, aged ≥50, treated with a SHS, with at least 3-month follow-up data available, were included. Implant failure was analyzed in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, fracture displacement, prefracture living setting and functional mobility, and American Society for Anesthesiologists Class. RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred fifty patients were included, of which 944 (53.9%) had a left-sided and 806 (46.1%) a right-sided FNF. Implant failure occurred in 60 cases (3.4%), of which 31 were left-sided and 29 right-sided. No association between fracture side and implant failure was found [odds ratio (OR) for left vs. right 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-1.52]. Female sex (OR 3.02, CI: 1.62-6.10), using a mobility aid (OR 2.02, CI 1.01-3.96) and a displaced fracture (OR 2.51, CI: 1.44-4.42), were associated with implant failure. CONCLUSIONS: This study could not substantiate the hypothesis that the biomechanics of the clockwise screw rotation of the SHS contributes to an increased risk of implant failure in left-sided FNFs compared with right-sided fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II.See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/BOT.0000000000001934

Type

Journal article

Journal

J orthop trauma

Publication Date

11/2020

Volume

34 Suppl 3

Pages

S76 - S80

Keywords

Bone Screws, Female, Femoral Neck Fractures, Fracture Fixation, Internal, Hip Fractures, Humans, Torque