Minimally invasive dynamic hip screw: prospective randomized trial of two techniques of insertion of a standard dynamic fixation device

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the safety and outcome of a minimally invasive technique for inserting a standard dynamic hip screw for intertrochanteric fractures.

Hypothesis: The use of standard plate in a minimally invasive technique is both possible and advantageous to patient outcome.

Design and methods: Prospective surgeon-randomized blinded outcome clinical study comparing new technique to conventional technique.

Main outcome measure: Pain, operative time and mean hemoglobin drop in percutaneous hip fixation.

Results: The minimally invasive technique had significantly less blood loss (P < 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001) and a trend to less morphine use.

Conclusions: Minimal invasive technique significantly reduces blood loss and operative time for fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures without sacrifice of fixation stability or bone healing.