Publication:

A prospective study of total hip arthroplasty for failed proximal femur fracture fixation

Background Proximal femur fractures have been widely studied and there are several well-accepted management modalities for the same such as PFN A2, IMIL nails, and DHS. Despite several management options we do encounter significant failure rates which could be due to several factors such as post-operative time rehabilitate patients related comorbidity and differences in surgical techniques. Aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed surgical management in proximal femur fractures

Methods The 50 patients who underwent surgical management for proximal femur fractures at any given point in time and presented with non-union or malunion and inability to bear weight affecting their activities of daily living assessed with Harris hip score were enrolled in a prospective cohort study during 2015 and 2022 after obtaining IRB approval. All these patients underwent surgical management for proximal femur fractures within 3 weeks of sustaining a fracture.

Results A strong statistically significant difference is seen with pain, functional gait, functional activity, range of movement and total score in post-operative group of patients in comparison to patients of pre-operative group. THA had excellent outcomes in 42 patients (85.71%) of the study group. About 6 (14.29%) patients of the study group had good outcome. 2 patients that lost to follow up were removed from the study.

Conclusions THA is an effective procedure for failed proximal femur fracture fixation patients despite the challenges such as distorted anatomy of femoral head, poor bone quality, longer operative times, larger amounts of blood loss, high rates of intra-operativities and post operative complications.