Intracortical Screw Insertion Plus Limited Open Reduction in Treating Type 31A3 Irreducible Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly

Abstract Objective: To discuss the clinical efficacy of intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in treating type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 23 elderly patients with type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures (12 males and 11 females, aged 65-89 years old, with an average of 75.6±5.1 years old) who received treatment at the orthopedics department of our hospital from September 2017 to August 2019. After type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures were confirmed by intraoperative C-arm, all of these cases received intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in the broken end with intramedullary screw internal fixation. The basic information of surgery, reduction effects, and FRS scores of the hip joint were assessed. Results: All patients were followed up for an average of 13.8 months. The operation time was 53.8±13.6min (40-95min). The intraoperative blood loss was 218.5±28.6ml (170-320ml). The average number of intraoperative X-rays was 22.8±4.6 (18-33). The average time to fracture union was 4.8±0.7 months. The reduction effect was assessed using Kim's fracture reduction evaluation. 20 cases achieved grade I fracture reduction and 3 cases grade II fracture reduction. All of them achieved excellent or good fracture reduction. Upon the last follow-up, the FRS score was 83.6±9.8, which was not significantly different from the FRS score (84.8±10.7) before the fracture (t= 0.397, P= 0.694). Conclusion: With careful preoperative preparation, intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction could achieve high-quality fracture reduction and fixation in elderly patients with type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures. Good clinical outcomes were achieved without increasing operation time and intraoperative blood loss.