A Systematic Review of Methods of Fixation of Greater Trochanter Fracture During Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

The rigid fixation of greater trochanter has been supported by more and more surgeons, but the choice of fixation is still controversial. Traditional wires are widely used because of its relatively simple procedure and low cost. But the high failure rates also led orthopedists to seek for other more effective fixation methods. In recent years, the appearance of locking plates has provided better stability for fracture fixation. These plates are widely used in various places of the human body, so some surgeons began to use locking plates to fix the greater trochanter fragment during hip arthroplasty surgeries. Compared with the conventional compressing plates, locking plates with uni-cortical screws can provide enough stability for fracture site. The aim of study was to compare between methods of fixation of greater trochanter during hip arthroplasty according to type and postoperative outcome. This review was on Non randomized and randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies which compare different methods of fixation of trochanter during hip arthroplasty. The search strategy identified 220 unique citations. Screening of titles and abstracts identified 90 potentially relevant articles. Full text review of these articles identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. 8 were retrospective and 2 prospective studies.