Functional and radiological outcome of intertrochanteric fracture treated with proximal femoral nail

Abstract

Intertrochanteric fractures are one of the most common fractures of the elderly due to simple fall but can also occur in younger age group after high energy trauma. Both male and female are equally affected irrespective of the mode of injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of intertrochanteric fracture treated with proximal femoral nail. The study was carried out with a total of 20 patients (male: 17, female: 3) treated with proximal femoral nail from the year 2015-2016. The inclusion criteria were patients with closed fractures of less than 3 weeks and age above 25. These patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at intervals of 4wks, 8wks, 12wks, 16wks and 20wks. The functional assessment was done using Harris Hip score. In our study majority were unstable fractures (65%) and others were stable fractures (35%). 50 % of our total patients showed full union by 10 to 15 weeks and 35 % showed full union by 16 to 20 weeks. We had 95% of the patients with good anatomical results and 50% of the patients with excellent functional results. PFN is safe, effective and well tolerated device useful in the treatment of all intertrochanteric fractures. Being a closed intramedullary procedure early mobilization and rehabilitation is possible with restoration of normal functions.