A comparative study between DHS and PFN for the treatment of IT fractures

Abstract

Background: Intertrochanteric fractures are one of the common fractures. Intertrochanteric and per trochanteric are generic terms for per trochanteric fractures. The incidence of intertrochanteric fractures is gender and race dependent and varies from country to country. Ninety percent of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly result from a simple fall & Intertrochanteric fractures in younger individuals are usually the result of a high-energy injury. Implants for fixation for intertronchateic factures are broadly broadly be divided into 1. Extramedullary devices, ex-: Dynamic hip Screw (DHS) 2. Intramedullary devices ex: - proximal femoral nail (PFN). Now a controversy has arised about the ideal implant for fixation of intertrochanteric fractures i.e DHS or PFN. In view of these conditions, this study is taken up to compare the results of DHS and PFN in the management of intertrochanteric fracture.Aims & ObjectivesTo determine the rate of union, complications, operative risks and functional outcomes in intertrochanteric fractures treated with DHS and PFN.To compare the results obtained between DHS and PFN. Patients and Methods: The present STUDY has been conducted at king George hospital, Visakhapatnam during the period between September 2013 and august 2015.Thirty patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with dynamic HIP SCREW & PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAILING fixation were selected for the present study.Observation and Results: The patients are evaluated based on intra operative and post operqative complications, duration of surgery, post-operative functional and anatomical results and time of complete weight bearing.Conclusion: From the study, we consider PFN as better alternative to DHS in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures but is technically difficult procedure and requires more expertise compared to DHS. With experience gained from each case operative time, radiation exposure, blood loss and intraoperative complications can be reduced in case of PFN.