Our Experience in the Management of Therapeutic Failures of Fractures of the Proximal End of the Femur (About 35 Cases)

Overview

Osteosyntheses employed in treating fractures at the upper end of the femur play a critical role in facilitating a swift recovery by minimizing immobilization periods and enabling early rehabilitation of the affected joints, thereby promoting a speedy return to normal walking function. Osteosynthesis alters the mechanical dynamics of the bone segment, which undergoes continual changes during the consolidation and mobilization phases of recovery. Throughout these stages, a range of mechanical complications may arise, posing challenges despite the successful prevention of infections. Non-infectious complications associated with the presence of osteosynthesis materials, especially in weight-bearing areas like the lower limb, remain a concern. In light of these considerations, surgeons must exercise meticulous care in selecting synthetic materials to mitigate the risk of osteosynthesis failures. In cases where internal fixation fails, the standard recourse often involves converting to total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is essential to note that THA subsequent to complications arising from proximal femur osteosynthesis presents a higher incidence of both intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to the implantation of primary total hip prostheses. Thus, while osteosynthesis remains a valuable intervention for femur fractures, careful attention to material selection and postoperative management is crucial in optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications.

The aim was to identify the causes of mechanical failures of osteosynthesis in order to prevent them. Methods: We present the experience of the Department of Surgical Orthopedic Surgery, concerning 35 cases summarized after failure of surgical treatment of a fracture of the proximal end of the femur for a period spreading between January 2015 and December 2021. . The literature already found evidence of the greater complexity of this type of procedure compared to a first-line total hip prosthesis. Accordingly, all this, Prevention is better than cure these stiffnesses through good preoperative planning. Other factors related to the terrain or to untimely loading of the implant are more difficult to control. Whatever the cause, the surgeon remains by the rigor in these indications, the choice of the synthetic material the essential element in the prevention of osteosynthesis failures.