Primary prosthetic replacement in per- and intertrochanteric fractures

PURPOSE: Hip arthroplasty is rarely indicated in the treatment of per- and intertrochanteric femur fractures. Although the majority of fractures are amenable to closed- or open reduction and internal fixation (CRIF/ORIF), in some patients the complexity of the fracture or other patient-related factors may cause the orthopaedic surgeon to consider arthroplasty as the treatment of choice. Decision-making is challenging, and a reliable score has not yet been established.

RESULTS: Reviewing literature, several predictors of inferior outcome after CRIF/ORIF in per- and intertrochanteric fractures such as age, gender, poor bone quality, hip osteoarthritis, operation time and postoperative weight-bearing restrictions have been identified. Based on the literature review, a novel Hamburg Per- and Intertrochanteric Fracture Score (HPIFS) is proposed to support decision-making for per- and intertrochanteric fracture treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: CRIF/ORIF remain the workhorses in per- and intertrochanteric fracture management. Arthroplasty offers an advantageous treatment option for a well-defined patient and fracture collective. The HPIFS might support the decision-making process.