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Combination of low-contact cerclage wiring and osteosynthesis in the treatment of femoral fractures

  • Original Article • HIP - FRACTURES
  • Published:
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background and purpose

Objectives were (1) to evaluate results after cerclage wiring technique for femoral primary and periprosthetic fracture (PPF); (2) to report the incidence of complications and their treatment; (3) to analyze possible prognostic factors.

Patients and methods

We analyzed 54 patients treated with different techniques associated with low-contact cerclage wires for femoral fracture. Fractures were stratified according to AO, Vancouver or Rorabeck classification. Cerclage was used as an exclusive implant in four PPFs or combined with internal devices in 50 cases. Comorbidities were assessed using Charlson Comorbidity Index. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to compare activities of daily living pre/postoperatively.

Results

Cerclage wires with three or four spacers were used in 22 and 32 cases, respectively. Nine patients died within 6 months. Mean follow-up of the remaining 42 patients was 10.5 months. Fracture healing was achieved in 38/42 patients (71 %), with a mean time to callus formation of 57 days and to radiographic union of 3 months (1.5–9 months). Four patients had nonunion. Survival to major complications was 92 and 70 % at 1 and 2 years, respectively, significantly better in cerclage wires with three spacers than those with four spacers (p = 0.0188). No other statistical correlations were found.

Conclusion

Cerclage wiring in difficult femoral fractures offers minimally invasive reduction and fixation technique, low cost and early holding. We reinforce the concept of “reduce with cerclage cables first, then nail” for displaced long subtrochanteric fractures and support the use of cerclage wiring for challenge PPF using low-contact wires.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, Level IV.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy

    Andrea Angelini

  2. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Civilian Hospital of Lugo (AUSL Romagna), Lugo, Italy

    Andrea Angelini

  3. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Asur Marche Area Vasta 5, Ascoli Piceno, Italy

    Concetto Battiato

Authors
  1. Andrea Angelini
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  2. Concetto Battiato
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Correspondence to Andrea Angelini.

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Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

Ethical statement

Our study involves human, but the retrospective study does not require approval in our country.

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Angelini, A., Battiato, C. Combination of low-contact cerclage wiring and osteosynthesis in the treatment of femoral fractures. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 26, 397–406 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-016-1761-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-016-1761-3

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