Subtrochanteric femoral fractures: influence of patient age on fracture type and mobility

To investigate the potential influence of patient age on fracture type and postoperative mobility in subtrochanteric femoral fractures. Data for patients who had suffered subtrochanteric femoral fractures between 2004 and 2009 were analyzed in a retrospective single-center study at a level I trauma center. Age, sex, accident cause, fracture type (Seinsheimer, Russell-Taylor, and AO classifications) and mobility at different time points (pre-trauma, after 3, 6, and 12 months, and current) were collected using the patient files, radiographs, and phone enquiries. The patients were divided into groups aged < 65 and a parts per thousand yen65 years. Significant associations between age and fracture type and mobility were investigated using Fisher's exact test, Levene's test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 91 patients were evaluated. There were 38 patients in group I (< 65 years) and 53 in group II (a parts per thousand yen65 years). The trauma leading to the fracture was greater in group I than in group II (P < 0.01), and group I also had a larger number of concomitant injuries (P < 0.01). There was a smaller proportion of women in group I (38 vs. 75.5 %; P < 0.01). Group II had higher grades in the Russell-Taylor fracture classification (P < 0.05) and more frequently had type A fractures in the AO classification (P < 0.05). No differences between the groups were found when the Seinsheimer classification was applied. With regard to postoperative mobility, there was better mobility in group I after 12 months and at the last follow-up examination (P < 0.01). Older patients (a parts per thousand yen65 years old) more often had type II fractures according to the Russell-Taylor classification, type A fractures in the AO classification, and poorer postoperative mobility over the long term than patients < 65 years old.