Clinical Outcome Following Treatment Of Pertrochanteric Fractures With Dynamic Hip Screw In A Nigerian Rehabilitation Hospital

Abstract

Pertrochanteric fracture is a severe and frequent injury with consequent high morbidity and mortality. Dynamic hip screw is an effective treatment modality for stable intertrochanteric hip fractures. It is based on tension band principle which allows compression of fracture fragment when the patient bears weight with consequent high rates of union and restoration of hip function to pre injury level. This study determined the epidemiological pattern, care, complications and functional outcome of pertrochanteric fractures following treatment with dynamic hip screw. Retrospective data was obtained over a 5 year period from January, 2007 to December, 2012. All patients with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with dynamic hip screw were consecutively selected. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. The total number of patients was 48 of whom were 28 males and 20 females with a mean age of 63.8±15years. The commonest mechanical complication encountered was lag screw cut through in 4 (8.3%) patients. Post-operative hip functional status done according to Postel and Merle d Aubigne scoring system at 4 - 6 months postop revealed that majority (90.0%) of patients had satisfactory hip function with minimal morbidity. Careful patient selection, proper training of surgeons as well as attention to detail is vital and may minimize failure rates.