%0 Journal Article
%T Infections after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures are uncommon and implant removal is not usually needed.
%A Halonen LM
%A Stenroos A
%A Vasara H
%A Huotari K
%A Kosola J
%J Injury
%V 52
%N 6
%D Jun 2021
%M 34057070
%F 2.687
%R 10.1016/j.injury.2020.10.076
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Infections after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures are rare, but potentially life-threatening complications. There are limited data available to support decision making in these cases.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective study of 995 consecutive operatively treated trochanteric fractures was made to find out different risk factors for infection and to describe the results of treatment.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>28 patients developed a surgical site infection (2.8%) after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fracture. 15 patients (1.5%) had a deep and 13 patients (1.3%) a superficial surgical site infection. Cigarette smoking (p<0.05) and prolonged operative time (p<0.05) were significant risk factors for an infection. 15 of 28 patients needed revision surgeries. Implant removal or exchange was needed only for 4 of 28 patients: 1 exchange of the blade, 1 removal of additional cable used to assist reduction and 2 removals of distal locking screws. None of the patients needed additional surgeries for problems with fracture healing. Mortality was not increased among patients with an infection.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Infection after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures can be successfully treated without removal or exchange of the fixation material.