Objectives: The prevalence of atypical femoral fractures in the elderly population is increasing worldwide, including in Iran. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to disability and reduced quality of life for patients.
This study aims to evaluate surgical outcomes in patients with atypical femoral fractures.
Methods: This case-series study was conducted at Rasoul Akram Hospital on patients with atypical femoral fractures who underwent surgery from 2013 to 2020. Demographic and clinical information, including gender, age, fracture site, type of surgery, infection, and postoperative walking ability, as well as modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores, were collected at one month and one year after surgery.
Results: Among the 30 participants in this study, 24 (80%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 68.66 ± 11.03 years. Of the patients, 46.7% underwent plate surgery, 26.7% had intramedullary nailing, and 26.7% underwent PFNA surgery. After surgery, 6 patients (20%) regained the ability to walk, 20 were able to walk with a cane or walker, and 4 could not walk. The NRS score of patients decreased by 2.80 ± 1.20 points after surgery, while the modified HHS score increased by 9.13 ± 22.56 (P value >0.05). After surgery, 13.3% of patients developed an infection. The type of surgery did not significantly affect patients' pelvic function or pain after surgery (P value> 0.05).
Conclusion: The rate of complications and postoperative infections in surgeries for atypical femoral fractures is higher than for typical fractures, and the postoperative mobility and satisfaction of these patients are lower than usual.