Basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures: an analysis of radiographic and functional outcomes

This retrospective study compared the long-term stability and functional outcomes of basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures, and evaluated the use of an additional derotational screw in the treatment of basicervical fractures. Sixty-six patients (28 with basicervical fractures and 38 treated for stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures) were identified. All intertrochanteric fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw. Basicervical fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw with or without a derotational screw. Radiographically measured fracture collapse and tip-apex distance were measured at least 6 weeks after surgery; SF-36 score and Functional Recovery Score data was collected at least 1 year after surgery. The proportion of fractures with > 10% collapse was significantly greater in the basicervical group than the subset of stable intertrochanteric fractures (P = .009), but not than the subset of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The mean SF-36 bodily pain section domain was greater (less pain) in the basicervical group than the unstable intertrochanteric group (P = .02). No other significant differences in SF-36 scores were noted between the basicervical and either intertrochanteric group. Basicervical fractures collapse more than stable intertrochanteric fractures, suggesting that they may have greater biomechanical instability. This instability, however, does not translate into clinically significant decreases in functional outcome. Using a derotational screw with a sliding hip screw does not affect fracture stability or clinical outcome.