Carbon fiber external fixator in repair of elderly femoral intertrochanteric fracture：a short-term follow-up of biocompatibility

Li Yu-gang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344

Abstract：BACKGROUND:External fixator has many advantages in treatment of fractures in the clinic, such as minimaly invasive surgical techniques, less radiation exposure, sufficient fixation and closed reduction. Therefore, external fixator for intertrochanteric fracture possibly has some advantages. OBJECTIVE:To explore the advantage of percutaneous pinning carbon fiber external fixator in repair of intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly. METHODS: A total of 89 cases of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures received external fixator using percutaneous pinning carbon fiber external fixation program. After fixation, al patients underwent hip joint functional exercise. The recovery of hip function was assessed using Harris score at 1, 6 and 12 months after fixation. Simultaneously, imaging evaluation was conducted before and after screw placement in patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 89 patients were folowed up for 1 to 2 years. One case died due to heart disease. Harris score was 54.3±8.3 before implantation, 66.7±6.4 at 1 month after implantation, 75.5±7.3 at 6 months, and 85.4±7.6 at 12 months. The recovery of joint function was good. Radiographic results displayed <br> that with prolonged time of healing, the hip joint function recovered wel. Two cases suffered from mild irritating pain surrounding the nail. Three cases experienced screw loosening and displacement. Six cases suffered from pin tract infection. One case had inflammation surrounding regional nail hole. These results confirmed that external fixation of carbon fiber rods in elderly patients with high risk of intertrochanteric fracture, but there are stil adverse reactions such as pin tract infection and loosing.