PURPOSE: We evaluated changes in bone mineral density and biochemical bone turn over markers resulting from intravenous administration of zoledronic acid for the purpose of increasing bone mineral density and decreasing bone turnover rate in patients who had received operative treatment after hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 34 patients who had received injections of zoledronic acid after surgical treatment for hip fracture from January 2009 to June 2010, with a follow up period of more than one year. We evaluated pre and post T-scores of DXA in spine, proximal femur and femoral neck along with biochemical bone metabolic markers, and we then analyzed each factor. RESULTS: T score was enhanced in all cases with pre T-score -4.2 and post T-score -3.3 revealing statistical significance (P<0.05). In addition, two biochemical bone turnover markers were observed to decrease in most patients. Three days after drug administration, 7 patients(20.6%) had minor adverse effects. There were no serious complications such as atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: No major adverse effects were observed, only minor ones in patients who had been injected with zoledronic acid for the prevention of osteoporotic fracture after surgical treatment for hip fracture. We confirmed the affirmative effects on changes in bone mineral density and biochemical bone turn over markers associated with the use of this drug.
Administration, Intravenous ; Bone Density ; Diphosphonates ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mid-term results of patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2008 and February 2010, 93 patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with PFNA. Of these patients, 43 could be followed for a mean of 19.1 months (range, 12-33 months). The mean age was 77.3 years (range, 62-93 years) and there were 6 males and 37 females. According to the AO/OTA classification, there were 14 cases of A1, 25 cases of A2, and 4 cases of A3. Radiological outcomes were assessed at the union period along with the sliding distance of the antihelical blade according to fracture type. Functional outcomes were assessed according to the Chanley hip pain scoring system, walking ability, and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index. RESULTS: All patients, except for one with a deep infection, had complete union at 3.5 months (range, 2-6 months). Postoperative X-rays showed a good or acceptable reduction in 43 cases(100%), and an ideal blade position without significant differences according to the fracture type. The mean sliding length of the blade was 6.1 mm (range, 0-21 mm) and mean Chanley hip pain score was 4.0 points (range, 0-6.0 points). 19 patients (44%) were restored to their preoperative walking ability. 22 patients(51.2%) were able to live independently without support. CONCLUSION: The PFNA is a very effective implant in the treatment of different patterns of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. But further studies are needed focusing on a functional recovery and rehabilitation to improve postoperative clinical outcomes.
Activities of Daily Living ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; Hip ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Male ; Nails ; Walking

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and radiologic outcome after treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of femur using targon proximal femoral nails (PFN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-five cases of intertrochanteric fracture who were treated with targon PFN from August 2004 to June 2010 were included. There were 54 men and 101 women with a mean age of 74.1 years at the time of surgery. There were 97 cases of stable fracture and 58 cases of unstable fracture. Operation time, frequency of transfusion, weight-bearing time, ability of activity after operation, and complications were all clinically investigated. Also, the average sliding of a lag screw and average union period were radiologically investigated. RESULTS: The average operation time was 64 minutes and transfusion was required in 43 cases(27%). The average weight bearing time was 4.4 days. In 96 cases(62%), the pre-injury activity level was recovered. The average slide of the lag screw was 5.6 mm and the average union period was 10 weeks. There were 6 cases (3.8%) of complications including 3 cases antirotation pin cutout and 3 cases of periprosthetic fracture. CONCLUSION: The treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using targon PFNs showed a satisfactory clinical outcome and a lower radiological complication rate.
Female ; Femur ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Male ; Nails ; Weight-Bearing

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the clinical and radiological results of intramedullary fixation to those of extramedullary fixation in patients with reverse oblique or transverse intertrochanteric femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 39 cases of reverse oblique or transverse intertrochanteric femoral fractures between September 2001 and December 2010. There were 20 cases treated with intramedullary fixation (Group I) and 19 cases treated with extramedullary fixation (Group II). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, amount of blood transfused, hospital day, and time to bone union were compared between the two groups. Radiologically, the position and sliding length of the lag screw or blade, change of femoral neck-shaft angle, and medialization of distal fragment were compared. Also, complications were assessed. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 87.8 minutes with Group I and 153.8 minutes with Group II. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 375.0 ml with Group I and 1,015.8 ml with Group II. The mean amount of transfusion was 555.5 ml with Group I and 801.6 ml with Group II. The mean time to bone union was 12.1 weeks with Group I and 18.1 weeks with Group II. There were no statistical differences in other parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The intramedullary fixation group revealed better results in the aspects of invasiveness and time to bone union in comparison with the extramedullary fixation group for the treatment of reverse oblique or transverse intertrochanteric femoral fractures.
Femoral Fractures ; Femur ; Humans ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: To analyze, by radiograph, the difference in bone mineral density (BMD) and the proximal femoral morphology of females who are over 65 years old and have had either an intertrochanteric fracture or a femoral neck fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-five females over 65 years of age with femoral neck fractures or intertrochanteric fractures were examined for bone mineral density using computed tomography from April 2008 to March 2011. The bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The morphology of the proximal femur was also measured by computed tomography in the unaffected hip. RESULTS: In the femoral neck fracture group, the mean BMD value was 0.563 g/cm2 in the femoral neck region and 0.753 g/cm2 in the intertrochanteric region. In the intertrochanteric fracture group, the mean BMD value was 0.457 g/cm2 in the femoral neck region and 0.656 g/cm2 in the intertrochanteric region. There are statistically significant differences between the femoral neck fracture and intertrochanteric fracture groups (P=0.029, 0.030). The mean cortical index was 0.59 in the femoral neck fracture group and 0.51 in the intertrochanteric fracture group. There are statistical differences between the femoral neck fracture and intertrochanteric fracture groups (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The BMD of the proximal femoral neck and intertrochanteric regions of the intertrochanteric fracture group were significantly lower than that of the femoral neck fracture group. The cortical index was also significantly lower in the intertrochanteric fracture group than the femoral neck fracture group. BMD and computed tomography seem useful to check in women older than 65 who have fractures of the proximal femur.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Bone Density ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Hip Fractures ; Humans

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and radiological results of hip arthroplasty following the failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the reasons for failure in 29 cases of hip arthroplasty from January 1997 through December 2008 in which the hip arthroplasty was necessary due to failed internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur. Furthermore, we tried to find pitfalls encountered when performing the operations. We assessed those patients and drew both clinical (Harris hip score, HHS) and radiological results. The follow-up period was 34.2 months(12-96 months), on average. RESULTS: The average operating time was 174 min.(115-205 min.) and the mean amount of perioperative bleeding was 1,335 ml(759-2,450 ml). The amount of packed RBC transfusion was 2.8 units(0-10 units) on average. We could see prolonged operation time and a large amount of blood loss as we performed both the removal of the previously fixed implant and reduction of the displaced bone fragment simultaneously. The mean Harris hip score of the patients was improved from the preoperative score of 43 to the postoperative score of 85.7. No cases showed any radiological signs of loosening of acetabular cups or femoral stems, although an articular dislocation and a postoperative joint infection occurred. CONCLUSION: Although hip arthroplasties performed because of a failure in internal fixation could provide relatively satisfactory outcomes, as they result in extended surgery time and greater blood loss, a requirement for higher-level surgical skills, and greater consideration required for the systemic conditions of patients before performing surgery.
Arthroplasty ; Dislocations ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Hip ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Joints

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze failure rates and causes of hip arthroplasty revisions associated with the use of cementless modular femoral stems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 93 patients(100 hips) that were followed up for more than two years after revision involving modular femoral stem arthroplasty. The clinical results were evaluated using the Harris Hip Score and the radiologic results were evaluated using leg length discrepancy, subsidence and bone formation assessments. We analyzed the relationship between the number of hip surgeries performed and the bone deficiencies and failures observed. Preoperative femoral bone deficiencies were described by Paprosky Grade; Grade I or II were identified in 24 hips, IIIa in 4 hips, IIIb in 28 hips and IV in 3 hips. RESULTS: We observed 80 hips with aseptic loosening, 10 hips with infection after previous revision, 8 hips with periprosthetic fractures and 2 hips with dislocations. Clinical results improved from a preoperative score of 42 (HHS) to a postoperative mean score of 81.5. The cause of early failure in 4 hips was identified as femoral stem subsidence, and the cause of late failure in 3 hips was due to infection. According to the comparison analysis, there was no statistical significance between femoral bone deficiency (P=0.727) and application of cement (P=0.087), but hips with previous revision surgery showed a higher rate of failure (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Cementless modular stems produced satisfactory results. The main cause of failure was subsidence. A significant risk factor for failure was hips which had undergone previous revision surgery.
Arthroplasty ; Dislocations ; Hip ; Leg ; Osteogenesis ; Periprosthetic Fractures ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients who received the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem for total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty seven hip joint replacements(31 patients) were evaluated over a minimum four year period following the procedure with an average follow-up period of 56 months(48-96 months). The mean patient age was 47.9 years old. Clinical results were analyzed using Harris hip scores, incidence of thigh pain and radiographic analysis was used to assess fixation of the stem, stress shielding, cortical hypertrophy and radiolucent lines around the femoral stem. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score was 90.7 points(82-99 points). Thigh pain was noticed in 6 hips(16%). Proximal femoral bone resorption by stress shielding was observed in 32 hips(86.5%). Cortical hypertrophy was noticed in 16 hips(43.2%) and was statistically correlated with stress shielding of 2nd degree or more according to the Engh classification. Stable bone ingrowth at the last follow-up was seen in 36 hips(97.2%). CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem demonstrated excellent midterm clinical results as well as excellent radiologic results for stable fixation and endosteal new bone formtion. However, long term follow-up evaluation will be required because of the high rates of proximal bone resorption by stress shielding.
Arthroplasty ; Bone Resorption ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Hip Joint ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Incidence ; Thigh

PURPOSE: This study was performed in order to analyze the incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications in patients who had undergone hip surgery and to identify risk factors associated with these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,390 patients who had undergone hip surgery from 1998 to 2008 were divided into case or control groups according to occurrence of postoperative cardiovascular complications. Both groups were sorted and analyzed by age, gender, mode of operation, bilaterality and history of preoperative cardiovascular disease. Postoperative cardiovascular complication was defined as having any condition including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, unstable angina, arrhythmia, hypotension, or pulmonary thromboembolism during the surgical admission period. RESULTS: Forty three out of 1,390 patients(3.1%) experienced cardiovasucular complications and 1 patient (0.07%) died. Increasing patient age (P=0.001), history of bilateral hip surgery (P=0.000), hypertension (P=0.002), coronary artery disease (P=0.000) or valvular heart disease (P=0.010), and ASA category 3 (P=0.000) were all associated with significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular complications. CONCLUSION: Intensive preoperative management though adequate hypertension control and prevention of coronary artery occlusive disease for patients who are elderly or receiving bilateral operation will help decrease the incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications after hip surgery.
Aged ; Angina, Unstable ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Vessels ; Heart Failure ; Heart Valve Diseases ; Hip ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypotension ; Incidence ; Myocardial Infarction ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Risk Factors

Stress fractures may occur at various sites in the femur including the head, neck, shaft, supracondylar and condylar regions. To the best of our knowledge, stress fracture occurring in the trochanteric region has not been previously reported. We report here a case of trochanteric stress fracture in a 53-year-old female window cleaner treated with hip nailing without adverse consequences. Careful consideration of this entity is needed when evaluating patients who have repetitive jumping up and down.
Female* ; Femur* ; Fractures, Stress* ; Head ; Hip ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neck