Decreased postoperative gluteus medius muscle cross-sectional area measured by computed tomography scan in patients with intertrochanteric fractures nailing

Background:In patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated by cephalomedullary (CM) nailing, abduction force reportedly decreased by 25–30% during the postoperative follow-up period. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and adipose tissue ratio (ATR) of the gluteus medius muscle on the postoperative computed tomography (CT) view, expecting this graphic study will support clinical results.Materials and methods:A total of 27 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated by CM femoral nail implants completed the study. The mean age at osteosynthesis was 83 years (range: 72–94 years). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 23 months. The three CT axial slice views were defined as slices A, B, and C corresponding to proximal, midway, and distal part of gluteus medius, respectively. The CSA and ATR were assessed bilaterally.Results:The mean and standard deviation of CSA values (mm2) between the nonoperated/ operated side were as follows: sl...