High Percentage of Complications and Re-Operations Following Dynamic Locking Plate Fixation with the Targon

The ideal surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures remains controversial. When treating these fractures with internal fixation, many fixation constructs exist. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and specific risk factors associated with complication and re-operation following fixation of intracapsular proximal femoral fractures using the Targon-FN system (B.Braun Melsungen AG). A secondary aim was to identify if lateral prominence of the implant relative to the lateral border of the vastus ridge was a specific risk factor for elective plate removal. Methodically, a retrospective case series was conducted of all consecutive adult patients treated at a single level 1 trauma center in Switzerland for an intracapsular proximal femoral fracture with the Targon-FN. Demographic data were collected. Patients with a follow-up of less than three months were excluded. Complications as well as plate position were recorded. Statistical analysis to identify specific risk factors for re-operation and complications was performed. In result, a total of 72 cases with intracapsular femoral neck fractures were treated with the Targon-FN locking plate system between 2010 and 2017. Thirty-four patients (47.2%) experienced one or more complications. The most common complication was mechanical irritation of the iliotibial band (ITB) (23.6%,