Clinical Outcomes of Cable Grip Plate–Cable Grip Constructs in the Management of Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare functional outcomes, complication rates, and perioperative parameters of Cable Grip Plate and Grip Cable techniques for greater trochanter fixation in elderly patients undergoing partial hip replacement for intertrochanteric femur fractures. Materials and Methods: This study included 82 patients aged > 60 years treated between January 2020 and December 2023. Greater trochanter fixation was performed using a cable grip plate (n=45) or a grip cable system (n=37). Demographics, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, early and late complications, revision rates, functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score (HHS), Parker Mobility Score (PMS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)), and walking aid use were compared between groups. Results: Operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the cable grip plate group (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Nevertheless, this group demonstrated superior functional outcomes, including higher HHS (82.7 ± 4.8 vs 79.6 ± 5.5, p=0.008), improved PMS (p=0.006), lower VAS scores (p=0.032), and earlier return to activities of daily living (p=0.009). Late complications were more frequent in the Grip Cable group (p=0.030), whereas revision rates and mortality were similar. Conclusion: Despite longer operative time and increased blood loss, cable grip plate fixation was associated with better functional recovery and fewer late complications, supporting its use for greater trochanter stabilization in this population.

Keywords

• Intertrochanteric fractures
• Hip arthroplasty
• Cable grip system
• Trochanteric fixation
• Biomechanical stability

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