Abstract
Introduction: As the elderly population grows, the number of hip fractures continues to increase. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of DHS and PFN in the fixation of intertrochanteric fracture of femur. Methodology: After obtaining approval of the ethics committee, a prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, DY Patil School of Medicine from January 2014 till December 2015. Informed consent was taken from from patients who fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and relevant clinical information was collected, including intra and post-operative details. The patients were called for followup to check for complications. Results: During the study period, 50 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were included in the study, of which 23 were treated ith PFN and 27 with DHS. 76% of the PFN patients needed no blood transfusion, while 41% of DHS patients needed 2 units of blood transfusions. Post operative fever and deep vein thrombosis was more common in DHS patients. 79% of PFN patients started mobilizing on the first postoperative day as compared to 68% of DHS patients who starting mobilizing on third postoperative day. Similarly post operative weight, full weight bearing and return to activity of daily living was seen to be better in PFN patients. Conclusions: Our study showed that PFN is a superior method of osteosynthesis as compared to DHS in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Future research should focus on studying the economic and rehabilitative impact of PFN on patients with intertrochanteric fractures.
Highlights
As the elderly population grows, the number of hip fractures continues to increase
Post operative fever and deep vein thrombosis was more common in Dynamic hip screws (DHS) patients. 79% of Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) patients started mobilizing on the first postoperative day as compared to 68% of DHS patients who starting mobilizing on third postoperative day
Full weight bearing and return to activity of daily living was seen to be better in PFN patients
Summary
This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of DHS and PFN in the fixation of intertrochanteric fracture of femur. The elderly have weaker bone and are more likely to fall due to poorer balance, medication side effects, and difficulty maneuvering around environmental hazards and hip fractures substantially increase the risk of death and major morbidity in this age group. These risks are high among nursing home residents, men, patients over age 90, those with cognitive impairment and other comorbidities, individuals treated nonoperatively, and those who cannot ambulate independently. Isolated trochanteric fractures occur more often in young, active adults between the ages of 14 and 25 [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Surgical Update: International Journal of Surgery and Orthopedics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
