Risk factors in cutout of sliding hip screw in intertrochanteric fractures: an evaluation of 937 patients

The aim of this study was designed to assess the risk factors of lag-screw cutout in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture with a dynamic hip screw (DHS). From 2003 to 2007, 1,150 patients who had acute unilateral intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were enrolled to the study. All fractures were managed by closed reduction and internal fixation with 135° DHS devices. Patient demographics, fracture patterns, reduction and fixation and perioperative course parameters were all recorded. The follow-up period was 38 months on average (range 16–60 months). Finally, 937 patients were available for evaluation of final results in which we focused on lag-screw cutout. Excluding complications not related to screw position, 64 patients (6.8%) with screw cutout were encountered, and the remaining 873 patients had uneventful union, with the average union time of 17.5 weeks (range15–24 weeks). Upon analysis with logistic regression, the tip−apex distance (TAD) was shown to be the most important predictive factor for cutout, followed by screw position, fracture pattern, reduction and patient age. In order to decrease the risk of lag-screw cutout, it is important to ensure good fracture reduction and to place the lag screw in either the middle/middle or inferior/middle position with appropriate TAD.