Association between CT-derived skeletal muscle and fat indices and fracture healing following operative treatment for intertrochanteric fractures: a multicenter retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intertrochanteric fractures account for nearly 50% of hip fractures in elderly patients and are primarily treated with internal fixation. Considerable variability in postoperative healing persists, with delayed union or nonunion prolonging immobilization and increasing complications and healthcare costs. Accurate, objective assessment of healing is essential, and the Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH) offers a reliable quantitative tool. Sarcopenia and visceral adiposity are linked to poor surgical outcomes, yet their roles in fracture healing remain unclear. This study hypothesizes that low skeletal muscle index (SMI) and high fat indices are associated with delayed healing.

Methods

A total of 619 participants from two institutions were enrolled to assess th

SUBMITTER: Li E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12597792 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature