A comparison of 3 intramedullary nails in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical results of Gamma nails, proximal femoral nails (PFN) and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of femur. Methods From January 2004 to June 2007 in our hospital, 46 cases of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with Gamma nails, 29 treated with PFN and 51 treated with PFNA. A retrospective study was performed to compare the outcomes of the 3 intramedullary nails by analyzing operative time, blood loss, complications, fracture healing and postoperative Harris hip scores. Results Nine-ty-one cases were followed up successfully with a mean period of 21.6 (11 to 39) months. There were no significant differences between the 3 nails in terms of complication rate, recovery of hip function, and time required for fracture union (P>0.05). However, PFNA had a faster procedure and less intraoperative blood loss than the other 2 nails (P<0.05) . Conclusions All the 3 intramedullary nails can be used ef-fectively for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. However, PFNA may be associated with a shorter operative time and less blood loss. Key words: Hip fracture; Fracture fixation, intramedullary nail