Minimally invasive sliding hip screw insertion technique

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Extra-capsular hip fractures are common, particularly in the elderly.
• Sliding hip screws (SHS) are a standard fixation device.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly adopted for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive technique for sliding hip screw (SHS) insertion.
• To report outcomes and complication rates in a large case series of patients undergoing SHS fixation for hip fractures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection and retrospective analysis of 579 consecutive patients.
• Description of a minimally invasive surgical technique involving a small incision and specialized retractors/clamps.
• Standardized follow-up protocol including radiographic review at six weeks and one year.

Main Results:

• Mean patient age was 81 years, with 77% females.
• Average surgery time was 43 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 17 days.
• Low complication rates: superficial wound infection (1.7%), plate detachment (0.9%), and lag screw cut-out (0.5%). All patients achieved full weight-bearing post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive SHS insertion is a safe and effective method for treating extra-capsular hip fractures.
• The technique facilitates early mobilization and demonstrates favorable outcomes with low complication rates.
• This approach represents a viable option for hip fracture fixation, particularly in elderly populations.