Internal fixation treatments for intertrochanteric fracture: A systematic review and meta-Analysis of randomized evidence

The relative effects of internal fixation strategies for intertrochanteric fracture after operation remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-Analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to address this important issue. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL for RCTs that compared different internal fixation implants in patients with intertrochanteric fracture at 6-month follow-up or longer. We ultimately included 43 trials enrolling 6911 patients; most trials were small in sample sizes and events. Their risk of bias was generally unclear due to insufficient reporting. Because of these, no statistically significant differences were present from most of the comparisons across all the outcomes, and no definitive conclusions can be made. However, a number of trials compared two commonly used internal fixation strategies, gamma nail (GN) and sliding hip screw (SHS). There is good evidence suggesting that, compared to SHS, GN may increase the risk of cut out (OR = 1.87, 95% CI, 1.08 to 3.21), re-operation (OR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.53), intra-operative (OR = 3.14, 95% CI, 1.34 to 7.35) and later fractures (OR = 3.67, 95% CI, 1.37 to 9.83). Future randomized trials or observational studies that are carefully designed and conducted are warranted to establish the effects of alternative internal fixation strategies for intertrochanteric fracture

The risks and benefits of distal first metatarsal osteotomies

From a total of 138 patients who initially underwent either Chevron or Mitchell distal metatarsal osteotomies, 50 were available with complete pre- and postoperative data for study. Chevron osteotomies were performed on 60 feet (41 patients) and Mitchell osteotomies on 12 (nine patients). The results indicate that both procedures provide good or excellent subjective and objective results in about 90% of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the procedures as regards the results. Age did not influence the outcome. Complications included damage to the proper digital nerve of the great toe in 30% indicating either direct injury to the nerve with subsequent neuroma formation or indirect injury by nerve entrapment. Osteonecrosis of the first metatarsal head occurred following Chevron osteotomies in 12 feet (12 of 60 or 20%) and following a Mitchell in one (one of 12 or 8%). However, four of the 10 (40%) patients who had a Chevron osteotomy plus a lateral adductor release developed osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis is described and classified into three stages: stage I, the precollapse condition; stage II, the collapsed condition; and stage III, the osteoarthritic condition. The major causes of failure were preexisting osteoarthritis, injury to the dorsal proper digital nerve, and osteonecrosis. Theoretically, most of these should be avoidable. Significant metatarsus primus varus and MTP osteoarthritis are contraindications to distal metatarsal osteotomies. A tourniquet should be routine and the nerve, visualized and protected. If a distal osteotomy is performed, a concomitant lateral adductor release is contraindicated and stripping of the distal soft tissues should be minimal