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Condylocephalic nailing in pertrochanteric fractures
A Navarro-Quilis1, L L Carrera, F Pellise
1Vall D'Hebron Traumatology Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|October 1, 1992
Summary
The Küntscher condylocephalic (KC) nail effectively treats proximal femur fractures in elderly patients, showing good bone healing and functional recovery. This surgical technique offers a simpler, faster alternative with fewer complications than other methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Traumatology
Background:
- Increasing incidence of proximal femur fractures, particularly in the elderly population.
- Need for surgical techniques that are simple, reduce mortality, and facilitate early functional recovery.
- Hospital stay reduction is a key objective in managing these fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Küntscher condylocephalic (KC) nail for treating proximal femur fractures.
- To compare the KC nail technique with other surgical interventions.
- To assess functional outcomes and complication rates associated with the KC nail.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2660 proximal femur fracture cases treated with the KC nail between 1969 and 1989.
- Inclusion of patients with a mean age of 79 years, many in poor general condition (77% not good).
- Data collection on mortality, complications (supracondylar fractures, nail migration), bone healing time, functional status (walking ability), and postoperative angle.
Main Results:
- A 12.5% mortality rate within three months post-surgery.
- Complication rates included 1.8% supracondylar fractures and 17.4% nail migrations.
- Bone healing observed in 8-12 weeks, with 85% of patients regaining the ability to walk.
- Mean postoperative cervicodiaphyseal angle was 155 degrees.
- KC nail insertion was simpler and required less operating time compared to other techniques, avoiding knee issues associated with Ender's nails.
Conclusions:
- The KC nail is a suitable and effective treatment for pertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.
- The technique offers advantages in terms of simplicity, reduced operating time, and fewer complications.
- Early functional restoration and reduced hospital stay are potential benefits for elderly patients with proximal femur fractures treated with the KC nail.