A Novel C-arm Rotation and Limb-Positioning Algorithm to Obtain a Reliable Lateral Femoral Neck View in Lateral Decubitus Intertrochanteric Fracture Fixation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of proximal femoral nailing (PFN) in the lateral decubitus position using a standardized, limb-based approach without a traction table and to report early postoperative (24–72 hours) radiographic and technical outcomes, focusing on lag screw position and tip– apex distance (TAD). This single-center retrospective study included 52 adult patients (>18 years) who underwent PFN in the lateral decubitus position according to a standardized algorithm between January 2021 and December 2024. Demographic characteristics, fracture classification, operative parameters, early postoperative (24–72 hours) radiographic measurements (TAD and Cleveland–Bosworth quadrant position), and postoperative complications recorded during available follow-up were collected. Evans and Boyd–Griffin classifications were used for fracture typing. Statistical analyses evaluated the association between fracture stability and operative duration; analyses involving cut-out were interpreted descriptively due to the low event count. The mean age was 70.5 ± 13.4 years, and 59.6% of patients were male. According to the Evans classification, 69.2% of fractures were stable, 23.1% were unstable, and 7.7% were reverse oblique. The mean operative preparation time was 10.4 ± 1.8 minutes, and the mean operative duration was 43.6 ± 7.9 minutes; operative duration was longer in unstable fractures (p < 0.001). According to the Cleveland–Bosworth system, 73.1% of lag screws were positioned central– central, and no screws were placed in the superior–posterior quadrant. The mean TAD was 17.7 mm, and 96.2% of patients had TAD < 25 mm. Cut-out occurred in two patients (3.8%) and was observed among patients with higher TAD values; this observation was considered exploratory. We present a novel standardized, limb-based lateral decubitus PFN algorithm without a traction table. The approach yielded reproducible early postoperative radiographic parameters (24–72 hours), including acceptable TAD values and favorable Cleveland–Bosworth screw placement.