Comparative analysis of radiological outcomes among cephalomedullary nails: helical, screw and winged screw

Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are implants with a high success rate in the surgical treatment of trochanteric fractures. The aim of this study is to compare the radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of femoral trochanteric fractures treated with three different CMNs.

Intertrochanteric fractures in patients aged 50 years and older treated with CMN between January 2016 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 158 cases meeting the criteria were included to final analysis. Cases were divided into three groups based on the type of nail used (helical blade: group 1, n = 54; screw: group 2, n = 53; winged screw: group 3, n = 51). Demographic characteristics, mechanical complications, reduction quality, tip-apex distances (TAD) and Cleveland zones were compared between the groups. Femoral neck shortening, varus collapse, lag sliding, changes in abductor length were compared between study groups. Factors affecting mechanical complications were also analyzed.

Study groups were homogenic in terms of demographic characteristics, fracture type and reduction quality. Regarding mechanical complications, no statistically significant difference was found between groups. All three implants had similar outcomes on femoral neck shortening, varus collapse and lag sliding. Pooled analysis of 158 cases showed that mechanical complications increase as the quality of reduction decreases (p = 0.000) same applies when TAD alters from the desired range (p = 0.025) and with non-optimally implanted blade according to Cleveland zones (p = 0, 000).

The radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of helical blade, screw type blade and winged screw type blade proximal femoral nails are similar in selected group. Regardless of the device type, it is necessary to obtain high reduction quality, obtain TAD within described range and optimally place the blade according to Cleveland Zones to reduce the failure rate and avoid complications.