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How is an intertrochanteric fracture treated in the elderly?

5 min read

Intertrochanteric fractures account for nearly 50% of all hip fractures in the elderly, making effective treatment crucial for restoring mobility and quality of life. Understanding how is an intertrochanteric fracture treated in the elderly is the first step toward a successful recovery.

Quick Summary

An intertrochanteric fracture is typically treated in the elderly with surgery, primarily using internal fixation devices like a cephalomedullary nail or a sliding hip screw, to stabilize the bone and promote early mobilization.

Key Points

  • Immediate Surgery is Key: The vast majority of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly require surgical repair, ideally within 24-48 hours, to stabilize the hip and enable early mobilization.

  • Internal Fixation is Standard: The most common surgical treatments involve internal fixation with either a cephalomedullary nail for unstable fractures or a sliding hip screw for stable ones.

  • Arthroplasty for Complex Cases: Hip replacement (arthroplasty) is reserved for severe fractures, failed fixation, or pre-existing joint disease to allow immediate weight-bearing.

  • Recovery Requires Rehabilitation: Post-operative care is critical and involves physical therapy, pain management, and preventing complications like blood clots and pneumonia.

  • Risk Factors Must be Managed: Age, osteoporosis, and other comorbidities are significant risk factors for poor outcomes and complications, requiring comprehensive management to improve prognosis.

  • Preventing Future Fractures: Addressing the underlying cause, typically osteoporosis, is a crucial part of long-term care to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures.

In This Article

Diagnosis and Initial Assessment

Upon arrival at a medical facility, an elderly patient with a suspected intertrochanteric fracture undergoes a swift diagnostic process. This includes a physical examination to check for classic signs, such as a shortened and externally rotated leg, followed by imaging studies. Standard X-rays are usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis, locate the fracture, and determine its type (stable vs. unstable). A CT scan or MRI may be used if the fracture is complex or hairline and not visible on plain X-rays.

Critical Pre-operative Care

Before surgery, the medical team focuses on stabilizing the patient's overall health, which is especially important for seniors who often have multiple comorbidities. Key steps include managing pain effectively, assessing general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia suitability, and beginning prophylactic measures against common postoperative complications. Early intervention, often within 24 to 48 hours of admission, is associated with lower mortality rates and better outcomes.

Surgical Treatment Options

For most elderly patients, surgical management is the standard of care. This allows for anatomical reduction of the fracture, stable fixation, and promotes early mobilization, which is vital to prevent complications associated with prolonged bed rest.

Internal Fixation with a Cephalomedullary Nail

Cephalomedullary nailing has become the preferred method for treating many intertrochanteric fractures, especially unstable ones. The surgeon inserts a metal nail into the central marrow cavity of the femur. A locking screw is then placed through the nail into the femoral head to provide rotational stability. A key benefit of this approach is its minimally invasive nature, which often results in less blood loss and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with a Sliding Hip Screw

For stable intertrochanteric fractures, a sliding hip screw (SHS) may be used. In this procedure, a large screw is inserted into the neck of the femur and through the femoral head, attached to a side plate fixed to the outer shaft of the femur with multiple smaller screws. This allows the fracture fragments to slide and compress as the patient bears weight, promoting healing. It is a well-established technique but may be less suitable for unstable fractures or patients with very poor bone quality.

Hip Arthroplasty (Hip Replacement)

In certain complex cases, a total or partial hip replacement may be recommended. This is generally reserved for severe unstable fractures, fractures with extensive comminution, failed previous fixation, or pre-existing severe arthritis. Arthroplasty allows for immediate, full weight-bearing, which can be a significant advantage for elderly patients who would otherwise struggle with a restricted weight-bearing protocol. This can lead to a faster return to previous functional levels, though it involves a more extensive procedure with its own set of risks.

Feature Cephalomedullary Nailing Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) Hip Arthroplasty (Replacement)
Ideal for Unstable fractures, osteoporosis Stable fractures Severe comminution, failed fixation, pre-existing arthritis
Surgical Incision Smaller, less invasive Larger incision Varies (partial vs. total)
Weight-Bearing Progressive, often early Progressive, may be delayed Immediate, full weight-bearing
Blood Loss Typically less Often more Depends on procedure
Healing Mechanism Stabilizes to allow natural bone healing Permits controlled impaction for healing Replaces damaged joint, no natural fracture healing
Risk of Cut-Out Possible, but lower with proper technique Possible, especially with poor bone Low, as joint is replaced

Post-operative Care and Rehabilitation

Surgical repair is only the first step. The recovery process is equally critical and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses.

Immediate Post-op Phase

  1. Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial to facilitate early movement and rehabilitation. Multimodal analgesia, including nerve blocks, is often used. Postoperative delirium is common in older adults and must be managed carefully.
  2. Mobilization: Patients are encouraged to begin moving as soon as possible after surgery, often within 24 hours. Physical therapists guide patients through initial exercises for range-of-motion and strength, often with weight-bearing as tolerated.
  3. Thrombosis Prevention: Given the high risk of blood clots, patients receive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, including medication and mechanical aids like compression devices.

Extended Rehabilitation

After hospital discharge, many elderly patients transfer to a rehabilitation facility or receive home-based physical therapy. The goal is to gradually restore strength, balance, and independence. The recovery timeline can vary significantly, often taking 3 to 9 months, depending on the patient's pre-fracture health, motivation, and the quality of rehabilitation. A physical therapist will work with the patient on a variety of exercises and walking with the aid of a walker or cane.

Potential Complications and Risks

Despite advances in surgical techniques, elderly patients are at a heightened risk for several complications:

  • Screw Cut-Out: The fixation hardware cuts out of the weakened bone, often due to poor bone density (osteoporosis).
  • Infection: Surgical site infection is a risk with any operation.
  • Medical Complications: Immobility can lead to pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and pressure ulcers.
  • Non-union: The fracture fails to heal properly, though this is relatively uncommon with modern techniques.
  • Loss of Independence: Many elderly patients do not return to their pre-fracture mobility level, emphasizing the importance of dedicated rehabilitation.

Addressing Underlying Health Issues

Successful treatment and recovery depend heavily on addressing the patient's underlying health status. This includes managing comorbidities like heart disease and diabetes. Importantly, osteoporosis, the primary cause of fragility fractures, must be addressed with appropriate screening, medication, and nutritional support to prevent future fractures. A comprehensive interdisciplinary care program is key to improving outcomes and minimizing complications.

For more detailed information on osteoporosis prevention, consult resources like the National Osteoporosis Foundation at https://www.nof.org.

Conclusion

For an elderly patient with an intertrochanteric fracture, the treatment journey involves a combination of prompt surgical intervention and rigorous post-operative care. While intramedullary nails and sliding hip screws are the most common methods, the specific choice depends on the fracture's stability and the patient's bone health. Early mobilization, comprehensive rehabilitation, and addressing underlying conditions like osteoporosis are crucial for minimizing risks and maximizing the patient's chances of a successful recovery and maintaining independence. Understanding the treatment options empowers patients and families to make informed decisions and prepare for the road to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

An intertrochanteric fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone), occurring between the two trochanters—the bony knobs on the bone's end. It is a common hip fracture among the elderly, often caused by a low-energy fall.

Yes, surgery is the standard treatment for nearly all intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Non-surgical treatment is rarely an option due to the high risk of complications from prolonged immobility and the poor healing potential without stable fixation.

A sliding hip screw (SHS) is an extra-medullary device used for stable fractures, allowing controlled compression at the fracture site. A cephalomedullary nail is an intra-medullary device inserted into the central femur canal, offering superior stability for unstable fracture patterns.

Full recovery can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months, or even longer. The timeline depends on the patient's age, overall health, fracture severity, and adherence to the rehabilitation program. Early mobilization and consistent physical therapy are key to a faster recovery.

Elderly patients face risks such as pneumonia, blood clots (DVT/PE), wound infections, and complications from pre-existing conditions. Implant failure is also a concern, especially in patients with severe osteoporosis.

Families can help by ensuring the patient attends physical therapy, assisting with mobility aids, monitoring for signs of complications, managing medication, providing nutritional support, and making necessary home modifications to prevent future falls.

Not always. A hip replacement (arthroplasty) is primarily used for severe, unstable fractures or when internal fixation fails. Most intertrochanteric fractures are treated with internal fixation, preserving the natural hip joint.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.