The Correct Implant Choice for Transtrochanteric Fracture in Brazil

OBJECTIVE To assess the adequacy to the Brazilian population of orthopedic implants used for treatment of proximal femoral fractures. METHODS The neck-shaft angle of the femur of 101 patients was measured in anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and these measurements were correlated to gender, age, height, weight and ethnicity. In addition, we compared the values of the neck -shaft angle with the angulation of the main implants available in the Brazilian market for the treatment of transtrochanteric fractures. RESULTS Of the 101 measurements, an average of 130.9±6.7° was obtained, ranging from 112° to 150°. Correlating these measurements with epidemiological variables, only age was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Most of the analyzed population presented anatomical characteristics that allow the proper use of these implants to treat transtrochanteric fractures, as indicated from the analysis of neck-shaft angles. Nonetheless, 4% of individuals did not fit this pattern and would have required alternative implants. Level of Evidence III, Study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied reference ''gold'' standard.