Characteristics and treatment strategies of the hip fracture triad
Lin Li1, Lianxin Li1, Dongsheng Zhou1
1Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Insights
The hip fracture triad, a rare and complex injury, requires prompt surgical intervention for optimal outcomes. Early reduction or traction is crucial to minimize complications and improve patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Management
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The hip fracture triad, encompassing acetabular fracture, hip dislocation, and proximal femur fracture, is a rare and severe injury.
- Understanding its clinical characteristics and optimal treatment is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features and treatment strategies for the hip fracture triad.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical versus conservative management for this complex injury.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 patients diagnosed with hip fracture triad between 2014 and 2020.
- Treatment plans were individualized based on fracture patterns and associated injuries, followed by long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- Nine patients underwent surgical treatment, achieving good to excellent acetabular fracture reduction in most cases (Matta score).
- Long-term hip joint function varied, with some patients experiencing complications like arthritis or requiring further arthroplasty.
- Conservative treatment in two cases resulted in limited hip mobility and functional deficits.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment for hip fracture triad to improve prognosis.
- Early fracture reduction and/or lower limb traction are recommended to mitigate postoperative complications.
Objective:
To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of the hip fracture triad (acetabular fracture, hip dislocation combined with proximal femur fracture).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 patients with hip fracture triad admitted to Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020. There were 9 males and 2 females; age (38.7 ± 12.2) years old (range 12-53 years). After all patients are admitted to the hospital, a treatment plan will be formulated based on the fracture type and associated injuries, and long-term follow-up will be conducted.
Results:
This study included clinical data of 11 patients with hip fracture triad, of which 9 cases were treated surgically and 2 cases were treated conservatively. All patients were followed up. 9 patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was (4.4 ± 1.4) hours (range 3-8 h); intraoperative bleeding was (600.0 ± 355.9) ml (range 400-1,200 ml). Fracture reduction was evaluated according to the acetabular fracture Matta score: 7 cases were excellent, 2 was good, and none was poor; 2 patients with old injuries chose conservative treatment as the final treatment plan. Acetabular fractures at the final follow-up were evaluated using the modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score of the hip joint: 7 cases were excellent, 1 was good, and 3 were poor. 1 patient developed traumatic hip arthritis after surgery, underwent total hip arthroplasty, and recovered well after surgery; 1 patient underwent hemihip arthroplasty 1 year after surgery due to femoral neck fracture and recovered well after surgery; 1 patient suffered from cerebral infarction complicated by long-term bed rest, poor hip joint mobility and basic loss of self-care ability; 2 patients with conservative treatment of old fracture had limited hip joint functional mobility, unequal length of both lower limbs, and poor hip joint mobility.
Conclusion:
The hip fracture triad is a complex, high-energy injury that is extremely rare clinically. A correct understanding of the characteristics and mechanism of this type of injury, and prompt and effective treatment strategies, will help improve patient prognosis. Surgery is the preferred treatment option for this injury, and early reduction or lower limb traction can help reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.
