Double axis cephalocondylic fixation of stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures: early results in 60 cases with the veronail system.
BACKGROUND
This prospective case-series, without control group, study presents our early experience in the treatment of both stable and unstable peri-trochanteric fractures with a new cephalocondylic implant; the Veronail system.


METHODS
Enrolment in our study was from January 2008 through September 2009, with follow-up until October 2011 (at least 1 year). During this period 65 consecutively patients with a fracture in the trochanteric region of the femur (31.A1, A2 and A3 according to AO classification) were surgically managed and prospectively followed up for at least one year. Average age was 78 years old (range 42 to 93) with 40 female and 25 male patients. All patients were surgically treated using the Veronail system. Demographic and nursery data such as pre-existing illness, previous ambulatory status, type of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, volume of blood loss, transfusions, length of hospital stay, time to union and overall complications were systematically recorded and analysed.


RESULTS
Mean follow up was 17 months (range, 12 to 23 months). Radiological evaluation was performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, as well as at the last follow up visit. Clinical outcome was assessed using the parameters of Harris Hip score. Solid union was achieved in 57/60 patients (95%) at a mean time of 12.5 weeks. Two fractures did not progress to union. There were 3 superficial infections and 1 deep infection; all were successfully managed with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The Harris hip score at the last follow up visit was excellent or good in 46 (77%) of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In the face of the good clinical and radiological results we consider the Veronail system to be of particular interest and perfectly adapted in primary surgery for both elderly and young patients.
Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital of Patras, GR, Papanikolaou str 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Kouzelis
Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital of Patras, GR, Papanikolaou str 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Kravvas
Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital of Patras, GR, Papanikolaou str 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Mylonas
Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital of Patras, GR, Papanikolaou str 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Giannikas
Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital of Patras, GR, Papanikolaou str 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Panagopoulos
Cephalo-medullary systems; pertrochanteric fractures; veronail implant.