Evaluation of the neck shaft angle achieved after surgical fixation of intertrochanteric fracture of femur

Abstract

Introduction: Femoral trochanteric fractures are the most common fractures of old age. Due to the fracture there is a change in the neck shaft angle which if not restored can lead to further disability. In this study we evaluated the immediate post-operative neck shaft angle achieved in surgically fixed intertrochantric fracture of femur using DHS and PFN and compared it with the normal side. Material & Method: This observational study was performed on 30 patients, with a mature skeleton, with an intertrochantric fracture of femur who got operated within a period of one year. AP view of X-ray pelvis with bilateral hip in 15 degree internal rotation was done in the supine position after surgery. Morphometric measurements bilaterally on digital X-ray machine (CR system) using DIACOM software were done. All the data was analyzed for evaluation of neck shaft angle in non-fractured side and the restoration/change in neck shaft angle on the operated side after surgical fixation. Result: In our study the average neck shaft angle of normal side of femur was found to be 121.17±6.88 degrees and that of the operated side was found to be 125.32±10.12 degrees. Discussion: With DHS we were not able to restore the anatomical NSA due to the valgus reduction but with PFN we were able to restore.