Recent studies by C.J. Hsu and co-authors add new data to arthroplasty findings.(Report)

" Management for failed hip screw after femoral intertrochanteric fracture is a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The unfavorable factors include severe osteoporosis, unstable fracture geometry, improper placement of hip screw, and repeated trauma," scientists writing in the journal Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery report (see also Arthroplasty).

"Except revision fixation of the fractures, arthroplasty may be indicated in case of destructed femoral head. In this study, we reported the surgical outcomes of patients with concomitant failed hip screws and fractures of greater trochanter operated by hemi-arthroplasties. Materials and methods We treated 16 patients of failed hip screws with concomitant fracture of greater trochanter surgically by hemi-arthroplasty and cable-grip system from January 2001 to December 2004. The reattachment of greater trochanter by cable-grip system enhanced abductor mechanism to reduce the dislocation rate of hip arthroplasty. The hemi-arthroplasties eliminated the pain from the destructed femoral head. Partial weight bearing was allowed postoperatively. The patients were followed every 6 weeks clinically and radiologically. Full weight bearing was not allowed until solid bony union was seen on the plain radiographs. Among these 16 patients, all patients achieved solid union of greater trochanter except ...