Clinical efficacy of lengthened proximal femoral nail antirotation versus Gamma nail in treatment of proximal femoral fractures combined with femoral shaft fractures

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of lengthened proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and Gamma nail treatment of proximal femoral fractures (including the intertrochanteric and inferior intertrochanteric area) combined with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures. Methods A retrospective case control study was made on 68 cases of proximal femoral fractures combined with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures received from January 2013 to October 2014. According to the operation mode, the patients were assigned to PFNA group (30 cases) and Gamma nail group (38 cases). Between-group differences were compared in aspects of surgical condition, treatment effect, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), postoperative hip function (Harris score) and living ability (Barthel index). Postoperative complications were recorded as well. Results Duration of follow-up was 12-24 months [(20.8±1.9)months]. Incision length in PFNA group was (5.4±1.2)cm versus (7.3±1.7)cm in Gamma nail group (P 0.05). Conclusion In treatment of proximal femoral fractures combined with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures, the lengthened PFNA fixation has advantages over Gamma nail in terms of minor trauma, rapid postoperative recovery and significant effect. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Proximal femoral nail antirotation