PFN in trochanteric fractures: Clinico radiological outcome study

Abstract

Intertrochanteric fractures are common in elderly osteoporotic population. Our study aims to analyse the clinico radiological outcome in these fractures operated using Proximal Femur Nail. This is a prospective study was conducted in our department involving 52 patients between June 2014 to June 2016. All patients more than 18 years of age with intertrochanteric fractures less than 2 weeks of injury were included. Pathological fractures, patients with previous hip surgeries, polytrauma and associated neurological problems like stroke were excluded. Fractures classified by AO system and fixed using Proximal Femur Nail. Optimal position of cervical screw in immediate postop and mean lateral sliding of cervical screw during every follow up were analysed. Harris Hip Score is used to analyse the functional outcome at 1 year. Optimal Placement of screw achieved in 76% of patients with mean clinico radiological union time of 15.4 weeks. Lateral sliding of lag screw is more in unstable A3 fractures with mean lateral slide of the lag screw at the end of 1 year was 4.9mm.Proximal Femur Nail is useful impant in unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Complications can be minimised by strictly following the principles of fracture fixation.