Comparison of two types of proximal femoral hails in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures

Abstract

Background: Hip nailing is frequently used to treat unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures (ITF) in elderly patients. In this retrospective study, we compared the functional and radiological results, and the complications, of patients treated using proximal femoral nails (PFN) with an integrated, interlocking, compression lag screw, or two separate lag screws, which allow linear compression at the fracture site.

Methods: A total of one hundred and eighteen patients were operated on for AO/OTA 31-A2 ITF between May 2010 and April 2012, and eighty-two of these patients, for whom sufficient follow-up data and documentation were available, were included into the study. PFNs with interlocking, integrated lag screws (Group I) were used in forty-four patients, and PFNs with two separate lag screws (Group II) in thirty-eight. Outcome parameters were the extent of varus collapse and leg length discrepancy on radiographs, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Harris hip scores (HHS) as functional results.

Results: Mean follow-up duration was 20 months (range, 12-36 months); fractures healed in all patients. Mean varus collapse values were 2.03±5.68° and 5.21±5.27° (p=0.01), Harris hip scores 73.2±11.65 and 74.72±11.15 (p=0.54), and WOMAC scores 70.78±11.41 and 71.78±11.19 (p=0.69) in Groups I and II, respectively. No difference was detected between the groups in terms of outcome parameters or complication rate.

Conclusion: In the treatment of ITF, PFNs with an integrated, interlocking, compression lag screw, or two separate lag screws did not differ in terms of functional and radiological results or complication rate.