Peri-implant fracture: a rare complication after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric femoral fracture

INTRODUCTION: Trochanteric femoral fractures are among the most common operatively treated fractures. Intramedullary fixation has become the treatment of choice in many centers around the world. Nevertheless, the knowledge of rare complications of these fractures is limited. In this study, the incidence and treatment strategies for peri-implant fractures (PIF) were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was done on 987 consecutive operatively treated trochanteric fractures. PFNA cephalomedullary nail was used as a fixation method. All patients were followed up from patient records for peri-implant fractures. Plain radiographs as well as different salvage methods were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The total rate of peri-implant fractures was 1.4% (n = 14). The rate of PIF for patients treated with short (200 mm) nails, intermediate-length (240 mm) nails, and long nails was 2.7% (n = 2), 1.5% (n = 11), and 0.7% (n = 1), respectively (ns, p > 0.05 for difference). Treatment of choice for PIF was either ORIF with locking plate (57%, n = 8) or exchange nailing (43%, n = 6). None of the PIF patients needed additional surgeries for non-union, malunion, or delayed union. CONCLUSIONS: A PIF is a rare complication of intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures. It can be treated with either locking plates or exchange nailing with sufficient results. There are no grounds for favoring long nails to avoid PIFs.