Timing of proximal femoral shortening in the early postoperative period after cephalomedullary nailing of hip fractures

Abstract Objectives Examine the timing of proximal femoral shortening (PFS) after cephalomedullary nailing of hip fractures. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 21 patients ≥50 years old with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with a short cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Abductor lever arm shortening, femoral height shortening, and PFS were measured. Results Mean PFS at 10–21 days postoperatively was 5.54 mm, compared to 11.31 mm at final follow-up. The percentage of total PFS that occurred within 10–21 days postoperatively was 53.9%. Conclusion Approximately half of total PFS occurs within 1.5–3 weeks and is notable on radiographs by the first postoperative visit.