Prospective randomised control study of role of proximal femur nail and dynamic hip screw and plate in unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly

Abstract

Introduction: The conservative treatment of intertrochanteric (IT) fracture has high complication rate. The operative management of intertrochanteric fractures are sucussful. Commonly used implants for fixation of IT fractures are dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femur nail (PFN). Debate still continues regarding the optimal implant for IT fractures. We aim to compare the results of DHS and PFN in the treatment of IT fractures at our institution. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized comparative study of 40 patients of IT fractures treated surgically. Patients were divided equally into 2 groups of 20 each, with patients in group-A treated with DHS and those in group-B PFN. The functional outcome was evaluated based on Harris Hip Score (HHS). The radiographic outcomes was based on non-union or mal-union, femoral head necrosis, cut-out, periimplant fracture. Results: The Harris Hip Score in the D.H.S group at 1 month (Avg. 24.4) was less than that of the P.F.N group (Avg. 33), p