Comparative analysis of the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of proximal femoral nail alone verses proximal femoral nail along with lateral wall plating in management of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture, AO/OTA, type 31A2 fractures with deficient lateral wall

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness in terms of clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of management of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture, AO/OTA type 31A2 intertrochanteric fractures with deficient lateral wall with proximal femoral nail (PFN) alone verses PFN along with lateral wall plating. Methods: In our study 52 patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures, AO/OTA type 31A2 which met the selection criteria were divided into two groups, group A (PFN) with lateral wall plating and group B (PFN) alone by randomization and were analysed prospectively with no significant difference in terms of gender, age, side of injury, cause of injury, and combined medical diseases. The intraoperative time and blood loss, time to full weight-bearing and radiological union, varus collapse, functional outcome and postoperative complications were recorded and compared. Results: Comparatively, no significant difference was observed between both groups for the time for full weight bearing. However significant difference was observed between both the groups for HHS at 9 months, neck shaft angle and time for radiological union (in weeks). Statistically significant difference was observed between both the groups for neck shaft angle and HHS at 9 months. The incidence of complications was 30.77% in group B. The incidence of complications was around 26.92% in group A; with no significant difference. At 9 months after operation, the Harris scores of pain, function, malunion, range of motion, and total score in group A were significantly better than those in group B. Conclusions: For unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture with incomplete lateral wall, the incidence of varus collapse after augmentation of PFN fixation with lateral wall plating was lower, the time for radiological union was earlier and functional outcome was better.