Salvage for nail breakage in femoral intramedullary nailing

Proximal fractures of femur represent an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality for elderly patients. Femoral intramedullary nailing is an option to achieve a stable osteosynthesis but the breakage is a rare complication. The aim was to determinate the prevalence, causes, management and functional outcomes of this patients in our hands. Retrospective review of 1246 proximal femur fractures operated between 2003 and 2012. We analyse epidemiological data, fracture type and the quality of closed reduction and fixation by preoperative and postoperative radiology. Type of salvage procedure chosen for each case is presented. Functional outcome and quality of life questionnaire was obtained by Barthel index and Short Form 12 version 2. 11 cases (0.88%) were identified. The type of initial fracture was 7 cases AO/OTA 31A3 and 4 cases AO/OTA 31A2. The implant failure was detected at 11 months after surgery (SD 6.39). Nail breakage occurred in three different points: 7 cases in the proximal aperture, 3 cases in cervicocephalic screw and 1 case in the distal aperture of the nail. The association of nonunion at fracture site and progressive hip pain was observed in all cases. Different salvage procedures were performed: 7 cases osteosynthesis revision (nail or dynamic condilar screw plate), 2 cases arthroplasty and 2 cases conservative treatment. The main Barthel score before the salvage procedure was 63.2 (SD 13). At final follow-up, this score improved to 72.8 (SD 20.38). To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest series of cases of trochanteric nail breakage due to material fatigue. This complication is rare (0.88%) that can foresee in unstable fractures with delayed union. The type of salvage should be individualized showing acceptable functional outcome in our series.