Publication:

Comparative analysis of TAD and CalTAD in predicting lag screw cutout risk in trochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary devices: a retrospective study

Background Cutout is one of the common cause of mechanical failure after internal fixation of trochanteric fractures using intramedullary devices. Tip apex distance (TAD) and Calcar referenced tip apex distance (CalTAD) are the radiographic parameters to predict the cutout risk. The aim of the study is to compare CalTAD with TAD in predicting the screw cutout risk and also to assesses other parameters responsible for it.

Methods A total of 100 patients were included in this retrospective study. For each patient the following data were recorded. Number of cutouts, AO/OTA classification, quality of the reduction, type of nail, center column diaphyseal angle, type of distal locking, post-operative weight-bearing, TAD, CalTAD values and the position of the screw in the femoral head according to the Cleveland system.

Results The incidence of cutout across the sample was 6%. The median TAD in cutout group was 32.2±6.5 (Mean±SD) while in no cutout group it was 20.7±5.1(p 30.06 and Cal TAD>30.93.