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Fractures of the greater trochanter following total hip replacement

Ole-Christian L Brun1, Lukas Maansson

  • 1Vestre Viken Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Drammen Hospital, Dronninggata 28, Drammen, Norway. brun79@gmail.com

Hip International : the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Research on Hip Pathology and Therapy
|April 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Greater trochanteric fractures are a common complication after total hip replacement (THR). Our study found these fractures significantly worsen patient outcomes, challenging previous assumptions about their impact.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Greater trochanteric fractures are a known complication following total hip replacement (THR).
  • Previous research suggested these fractures have minimal impact on long-term patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of greater trochanteric fractures post-THR.
  • To evaluate the impact of these fractures on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 911 patients who underwent THR.
  • Comparison of outcomes between patients with and without greater trochanteric fractures.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of greater trochanteric fractures following THR was 3%.
  • Patients with fractures demonstrated significantly poorer outcomes on the Oxford Hip Score, Pain VAS, Satisfaction VAS, and EQ-5D compared to those without fractures.

Conclusions:

  • Greater trochanteric fracture is a significant complication after THR.
  • Contrary to previous beliefs, these fractures negatively impact overall patient outcomes following THR.

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