Dynamic hip screw in proximal femoral fractures followed by “single-stage” hip arthroplasty—retrospective analysis

The aim of this study is to present the results of single-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) after Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) failure, or secondary posttraumatic osteoarthrosis. From 2003 to 2020, 15 THAs were performed in group of 15 patients for the treatment of DHS failure, or for late complications following femoral neck and pertrochanteric fractures. The mean follow-up period after arthroplasty was 46.9 months (range 7–139). The patients were evaluated retrospectively—both clinically and radiographically, focussing on the demography, infection rate and other complications (revision surgery), during the year 2023. 9 males and 6 females were included in the study, with a mean age of 56.5 years (range 29–93) at the time of primary osteosynthesis. Each of them had proximal femoral fracture treated primarily with a DHS and then late one-stage revision surgery, with hardware removal and THA implantation. The median time between DHS osteosynthesis and THA was 41.2 months (range 4–114). Four patients (26.6%) had complications after THA, with the need for revision in two cases (13.3%). Dislocation rate was 6.6% (one case), with the need for repeated-revision of THA. The infection rate was 6.6% (one patient) with the need for revision of THA. Peroperative periprosthetic femoral fracture was observed in 13.3% (two patients) without any other problems. Six patients (40%) died during the follow-up period. Single-stage total hip arthroplasty with concomitant hardware removal bears a high- mortality rate, with a higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to elective THA.