Biomechanical analysis of hydroxyapatite-coated external fixation pins removed from osteoporotic trochanteric fracture patients

Elderly osteoporotic patients with pertrochanteric fractures are usually managed with DHS or Gamma Nails. Investigators have observed in these patients an higher intraoperative number of complications caused by a longer surgical time, and a consistent blood loss during surgery. External fixation represents a minimally invasive treatment option for elderly osteoporotic trochanteric fracture patients. This appealing method in osteoporotic bone is a challenge because of the potential for pin loosening and infection. Because of this, pins coated with hydroxyapatite are recommended in these cases. We wanted to determine whether or not similar improvement in fixation strength could be achieved in a highly loaded weight-bearing situation such as osteoporotic trochanteric fracture.