Greater Trochanteric Fixation Using Cable Plate Devices in Complex Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Successful fixation of the greater trochanter (GT) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging task. A wide range of clinical results are reported in the literature despite advancements in fixation technology. Previous studies may have lacked adequate sample sizes to detect differences. This study evaluates nonunion and reoperation rates and determines factors influencing successful fixation of the GT using current-generation cable plate devices.

This retrospective cohort study included 76 patients who underwent surgery requiring fixation of their GT and had at least 1-year radiographic follow-up. Indications for a surgery were periprosthetic fracture (n = 25), revision THA requiring an extended trochanteric osteotomy (n = 30), GT fracture (n = 3), GT fracture nonunion (n = 9), and complex primary THA (n = 3). Primary outcomes were radiographic union and reoperation. Secondary objectives were patient and plate factors influencing radiographic union.

At a mean radiographic follow-up of 2.5 years, the union rate was 76.3% with a nonunion rate of 23.7%. Twenty-eight patients underwent plate removal, reasons for removal were pain (n = 21), nonunion (n = 5), and hardware failure (n = 2). Seven patients had cable-induced bone loss. Anatomic positioning of the plate (P = .03) and number of cables used (P = .03) were associated with radiographic union. Nonunion was associated with a higher incidence (+30%) of hardware failure due to broken cable(s) (P = .005).

Greater trochanteric nonunion remains a problem in THA. Successful fixation using current-generation cable plate devices may be influenced by plate positioning and number of cables used. Plate removal may be required for pain or cable-induced bone loss.