Is There Still a Place for the Staca Nail Plate in the Osteosynthesis of Trochanteric Fractures? Results from 52 Cases in a Regional Hospital in a Developing Country

The synthesis of trochanteric fractures has evolved considerably since the use of the Staca nail-plate in 1964. This implant, despite its age, remains a solid and reliable material for the synthesis of this type of fracture. Objective: To evaluate the anatomo-clinical and functional results of Staca nail-plate osteosynthesis of trochanteric fractures at the Regional University Hospital of Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 52 trochanteric fractures treated by Staca nail-plate in the regional university hospital of Ouahigouya between June 2007 and June 2017. There were 10 women and 42 men with a mean age of 61 years (range 17 years to 89 years). Ten stable type I and II of Ender classification fractures and 42 unstable fractures were recorded, including four pseudarthrosis and six vicious calluses. The anterolateral approach was used in all cases. In the absence of an image intensifier, we performed an arthrotomy to identify the femoral neck and set up a guide pin. Results: The reduction was satisfactory with stable synthesis in 39 cases. At last follow-up, consolidation was effective in all patients, except one. Two cases of acetabular protrusion were noted, requiring early removal of equipment. Fifty-one patients were autonomous. The overall results were considered satisfactory. Conclusion: The Staca nail-plate remains a means of solid osteosynthesis. Although it is no longer relevant in industrialized countries, it provides comparable results to new implants for the osteosynthesis of trochanteric fractures. Because of its low cost, its abandonment is not justified in low-income countries.