Salvage Hip Arthroplasty in Nail Failure: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Femoral nailing is a largely widespread procedure in the elderly population, and the number of these surgeries is rising. Hip arthroplasty is a salvage procedure performed to improve function of the hip after femoral nail failure. The aim of the study is to evaluate functional outcomes, complications and survivorship in hip arthroplasty after femoral nail failure. Methods: A systematic review of three databases (Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane) was performed using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. After selection, four studies met the inclusion criteria, and 483 treated hips have been analyzed (476 total hip arthroplasties, 7 partial hip arthroplasties). Results: The median value of Harris Hip Score (HHS) after salvage treatment was 86.1. The main indications for salvage treatment were osteoarthrosis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head and instability of the hip. Complications are more frequent than in primary total hip arthroplasty, in particular aseptic loosening and dislocation. Good outcomes have also been achieved using revision-type stems and proximal femoral replacements (PFR). Conclusions: Conversion total hip arthroplasty is confirmed as the optimal treatment for femoral nail failure in the elderly population. Cemented or hybrid total hip arthroplasties have better outcomes than uncemented total hip arthroplasties, and the use of different types of implants widens the possible approaches to surgery in restoring the biomechanics of the hip and increases the satisfaction of patients.