Comparison of the functional outcome of trochanteric fixation nail (TFN-180mm) versus short proximal femoral nail (short PFN 250mm) for fixation of intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Pertrochanteric fractures are devastating injuries that most commonly affect the elderly. There are various forms of internal fixation devices used for Trochanteric Fractures; of them, the most commonly used device is the Dynamic Hip Screw with Side Plate assemblies. In unstable fracture patterns, intramedullary devices such as the PFN appear to have a biomechanical advantage over extramedullary devices. Aim: To compare the functional outcome of Trochanteric Fixation Nail (TFN-180mm) versus short Proximal Femoral Nail (short PFN 250mm) for fixation of intertrochanteric fractures. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Queen’s NRI Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, on patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur the follow-up was recorded in 6 weeks, three months, six months. Observations are recorded in age, sex, affected side, post-Operative pain using the Visual Analogue scale Functional outcome assessed through the Harris Hip score and complications were recorded. Results & Conclusion: A total number of 30 cases of stable and unstable inter trochanteric fractures were treated with closed/ open reduction and internal fixation with short PFN and TFN with 15 in each group. Our study has a total female predominance of 2:1. The mean age for short PFN candidates was 67.46 years, it was 69.66 years for the TFN group. The average Harris Hip Score for the TFN group was 80.66 and PFN was 79.80. Indicating the functional outcome for both intramedullary devices were the same. Short PFN was associated with a more recurring complication of anterior thigh pain, which was seen more predominantly in the females.