A study on management of extracapsular trochanteric fractures by proximal femoral nail

Abstract

Background: Trochanteric fractures of femur like intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures are a leading cause of hospital admissions in elderly people. Conservative methods of treatment results in malunion with shortening and limitation of hip movement as well as complications of prolonged immobilizations such as bed sores, deep vein thrombosis, and respiratory infections. This study is done to analyze the surgical management of trochanteric fractures of the femur using a proximal femoral nail (PFN). Methodology: This is a prospective study of 40 cases of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures admitted to Government General Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Cases were taken according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, i.e., patients with trochanteric fractures femur above the age of 20 years. Medically unsuitable, open fractures and patients not willing for surgery were excluded from the study. Results: Forty percentage of cases were admitted due to slip and fall and with a slight predominance of the right side. Out of 40 cases, 26 were trochanteric, and 14 were subtrochanteric. In trochanteric class, 37.5% were body and griffin Type 2, in subtrochanteric class 12.5% were sinsheimer Type 3a and 10% were 2b. Out of 30 remaining cases, 25 were trochanteric, and 05 were subtrochanteric. Good to excellent results are seen in 100% cases of trochanteric fractures and 90% cases in subtrochanteric fractures. Conclusion: From this sample study, we consider that PFN is an excellent implant for the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures. The terms of successful outcome include a good understanding of fracture biomechanics, proper patient selection, good preoperative planning, accurate instrumentation, good image intensifier, and exactly performed osteosynthesis.