A clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail antirotation in the management of peritrochanteric fractures of the femur

Abstract

Background: Fractures around the trochanteric region of the femur are one of the commonest fractures encountered in orthopedics in elderly and young patients. In younger patients, the fractures usually result from high-energy trauma like RTA or fall from height and older patients suffering from a minor fall can sustain fracture in this area because of weakened bone due to osteoporosis. Methods: Forty-nine patients, aged above 40 years with closed intertrochanteric fractures who were operated using proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFN-A) were evaluated for functional outcome and analyzed for the technical problems and complications associated with surgery. Results: Nineteen patients were less than 60 years of age group and all patients of this group had excellent and good outcome. 25 patients who belonged to more than 60 years of age group of which 7 patients had fair and poor outcome and it was statistically significant (p=0.0139). Conclusion: Closed reduction and internal fixation using PFN-A is an excellent method of treatment for an intertrochanteric fracture, to provide rapid recovery and good functional outcome. Age is a significant predictor of final outcome following surgical treatment. Younger is the age better the outcome.