Cementless total hip arthroplasty for failed treatment of subtrochanteric fracture

Background Failed treatment of subtrochanteric fractures commonly leads to pain, limping, and poor function. Cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) could be an option as a salvage procedure in such cases. This study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results and complications of this treatment in our hospital. Method Eighteen cementless THAs for failed treatment of subtrochanteric fractures were performed at our institution between January 2001 to December 2017. There were eleven males and seven females, and the average age was 74 years (range 57.0-89.0). Eight patients were previously operated with an intramedullary nail, six patients were treated with a dynamic hip screw, two patients were treated with an angled blade plate, one patient was treated with a proximal femur locking plate, and one patient was treated with a dynamic compression plate. Results The mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range 2.2-10.8). The mean duration of the operation was 98.0 minutes (standard deviation [SD],15.4; range 70-135). The mean total blood loss was 992.2 mL (SD,171.2; range 640-1260 mL), and the amount of transfusion was 2.2 units (SD, 0.8, range 1-4). The mean Harris hip score (HHS) was 38.2 (SD, 9.3; range, 24-56) preoperatively and 85.4 (SD, 4.9; range, 79-92) at the last follow-up. Compared to the patients treated with plate-screws, those treated with an intramedullary nail had significantly shorter surgical duration, fewer blood transfusions, and less intraoperative blood loss. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with an endpoint of revision was 94.4% (95% confidence interval 72.7-99.9) at five years. Conclusion Cementless THA is one of the acceptable procedures for failed treatment of the subtrochanteric fracture with fewer complications.