Abstract
It is unclear which length of thread may be most advantageous for the internal fixation
of an intracapsular fracture with cancellous screws. We have compared the 16 mm versus the 32 mm threads on cancellous screws within a randomised trial for 432 patients. All fractures
were fixed with three screws and patients followed-up for a minimum of one year from
injury.
The characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar with a mean age
of 76 years. 23% were male. The most common complication encountered was non-union
of the fracture which for undisplaced fractures occurred in 7/107 (6.5%) of short
threaded screws versus 11/133 (8.3%) of long threaded screws. For displaced fractures
the figures were 29/104 (27.9%) versus 24/89 (27.0%). Other complications for the
short versus long threaded group were avascular necrosis (two cases versus five cases)
and fracture below the implant (two cases in each group). Elective removal of the
screws for discomfort was undertaken in five and three cases, respectively. None of
these differences between groups was statistically significant. In summary there is
no difference in fracture healing complications related to the length of the screw
threads.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
October 5,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
