Is helical blade superior to screw design in terms of cut-out rate for elderly trochanteric fractures? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Six randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis comparing helical blade implants to screw implants in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. The purpose was to determine, primarily, if there was a difference between groups in cut-out rate. Comparisons for both implants were drawn based on implant positioning, complications apart from cut-out, operative time, fluoroscopy time, and postoperative function. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference between implants types in cut-out rate. The only parameters in which groups significantly differed were operative and fluoroscopy time, both of which were shorter with helical blade implants.