A study of patients with failure of proximal femoral nail fixation

Abstract

A prospective study with an attempt to evaluate 36 cases of proximal femoral nailing taking into consideration the various modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with failure of PFN like bone quality, fracture geometry, fracture reduction, implant selection, placement and to suggest possible explanations and recommendations to avoid such complication. The objectives of this study is to evaluate the possible radiographic findings leading to implant failure in PFN since the index surgery & to evaluate the type, outcome and complications of implant extraction & revision surgery in patients with a failed PFN. We followed up the patient for a minimum of six months at every six weekly intervals. At every follow up the patients were assessed clinically for pain, swelling, mobility at fracture site, joint stiffness, signs of infection, wound status and radio-logically (X-ray) for union status, alignment implant status and infection. Final assessment was done on based on the Modified Harris Hip score. We considered the outcome as favourable when fracture union was achieved with fair/good/excellent/poor score was considered as unfavourable outcome. All data was collated, compared and analysed using descriptive statistics.