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

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) was performed. 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.