Less Invasive Fixation of an Interthrocanteric Fracture in an Ankylosed Hip with Cannulated Screws: A Case Report

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman presented following a road accident with an undisplaced intertrochanteric fracture affecting an ankylosed hip and an ipsilateral calcaneal fracture. The interthrocanteric fracture was fixed with four 7.0 mm cannulated screws. The calcaneal fracture was fixed with K wires and immobilized in a plaster. Because of this combination of injuries, although she was allowed to mobilize non weight bearing from the first week, sitting and progressive weight bearing were not permitted for six weeks. Radiographs taken at the one year showed consolidation of the hip fracture without complications. Final functional indices showed an EQ-5D VAS score of 40, EQ-5D health state index adapted to Spanish value sets of 0.493 and an Oxford Hip Score of 31. Screw fixation of an undisplaced intertrochanteric fracture in an ankylosed hip may be sufficient in some instances provided the patient remains non weight bearing for long enough.