ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress on the evaluation methods of head-neck nail positions in femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods The literature about the evaluation methods of head-neck nail positions for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in recent years was extensively reviewed, and research progress in the aspects of evaluation methods, clinical applications, and limitations were summarized. ResultsThe position of head-neck nails in femoral intertrochanteric fractures is closely related to postoperative complications of head-neck nail cutting. Currently, the tip-apex distance (TAD) and femoral head zoning are widely used to evaluate the position of head-neck nails. The main opinion in the literature is that the use of TAD and femoral head zoning can effectively reduce the incidence of head-neck nails cutting. Parker’s ratio, as one of the evaluation methods, has been controversial in subsequent studies and has not been widely used in clinical practice. The TAD as referenced to the calcar (CalTAD), which was modified based on TAD, has been gradually accepted by the clinic, but whether it is better than the TAD has not yet been conclusively determined. In recent years, new evaluation methods have been proposed to supplement the previous evaluation methods, such as the tip-neck distance ratio (TNDR) and the standardized TAD (STAD) to avoid the limitations of the TAD and the CalTAD by the volume of the femoral head, and the axis-blade angle (ABA) to supplement the direction of the head-neck nails channel, but at present the clinical application is relatively underutilized, and the validity of the method needs to be further verified. ConclusionCurrently, there are many methods for evaluating the position of head-neck nails in femoral intertrochanteric fractures, TAD<25 mm combined with head-neck nails placed in the middle-middle quadrant or lower-middle quadrant of the femoral head division is currently a highly recognized assessment in the literature, but the optimal assessment is still controversial, and further research needs to be studied.
Objective To assess the effectiveness of the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures. Methods Between March 2020 and October 2022, 17 cases of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures were treated with the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique. There were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of 53.6 years (range, 42-64 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident in 12 cases, and falling from height in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 4 to 16 days with an average of 8.8 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fluoroscopy frequency were recorded; X-ray films were reviewed regularly after operation to observe the fracture healing, and postoperative complications were recorded. At last follow-up, Matta score was used to evaluate the reduction of fracture, Harris score and modified Merle D’Aubigné-Postel scores system were used to evaluate the hip joint function. Results The operation time was 150-230 minutes (mean, 185.9 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was 385-520 mL (mean, 446.2 mL), and the fluoroscopy frequency was 18-34 times (mean, 27.5 times). Postoperative fat liquefaction occurred in 1 case and the other incisions healed by first intention; 3 cases had limb numbness after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after active symptomatic treatment; no urogenital system and intestinal injury occurred. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 19.9 months). Bone union was achieved in all cases with an average healing time of 10.8 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). There was no complication such as loosening and breakage of internal fixators. At last follow-up, according to Matta score, 12 cases achieved anatomic reduction, 3 satisfactory reduction, and 2 fair reduction, the satisfactory rate was 88.2%; according to Harris hip function score, 12 cases were excellent, 3 good, and 2 fair, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%; according to the modified Merle D’Aubign Aubigné-Postel scoring system, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 82.4%. Conclusion The single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures with less complications, simple operation, and satisfactory effectiveness.