Implant Fracture Analysis of the TFNA Proximal Femoral Nail
Site: The Centre for Implant Technology and Retrieval Analysis (CITRA), WA
Authors: Anton Lambers, Alan Kop, Bertram Rieger, Peter D’Alessandro, Piers Yates
Dr Lambers’ Master of Surgery and PhD research theses examine the clinical and laboratory findings in rods used to treat hip fractures when they weaken and break inside the patient. This study investigates fractures of the TFNA Proximal Femoral Nailing System (TFN-Advanced), an implant used to treat hip fractures. Although mechanical failure of such implants is rare, this research was prompted by several cases of TFNA breakage reported in Western Australia between 2016 and 2018. The research combines patient case analysis and laboratory evaluation of failed implants to provide insights into these failures. This paper was named in the top ten most read papers of the year by the JBJS journal.
This investigation is the largest of its kind in the English literature to focus on TFNA fractures and the first to involve laboratory analysis. The outcome discusses a recommendation for close monitoring of patients with unstable hip fractures treated with TFNA implants and suggests further research to evaluate breakage rates compared to previous implant models. The findings underscore the importance of post-market surveillance for medical devices, particularly in high-risk patient populations, to improve outcomes and refine designs for future iterations.
