Effectiveness of the Valgus Reduction Technique in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures Using Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional and radiologic results of treatment of the old with intertrochanteric fractures by implementation of the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) with Valgus reduction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients (over 65 years old) with intertrochanteric fractures undergoing PFNA, during the period March 2008 to August 2012 at Chungbuk National University Hospital, with follow-up for at least 12 months, was conducted. Fifty-one patients were identified. The mean observation period was 15.6 months and the mean age of patients was 78.6 years old. In this study, AO foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification of initial fractures, post operative neck shaft angle, location of the blade tip (Cleveland index), tip-apex distance (TAD), incidence of complication, Wayne-County reduction, and Koval walking ability were analyzed. Results: Satisfactory reduced status was achieved by significant (p<0.05) valgus reduction in 49 out of 51 cases and the mean period for radiologic bony union was 15.3 weeks. The mean blade sliding distance was 3.5 mm and the mean TAD was 18.7 mm; however, the blade location did not affect the results. No complications, including surgical site infection, delayed union, nonunion, rotational angulation, and cutting out of the blade tip were found. Thirty-one patients out of 42 who maintained their pre-fracture ambulatory ability, 11 patients (out of 42) remained ambulatory but became more dependent on assistive devices. Conclusion: It is expected that the Wayne-County reduction followed by internal fixation with PFNA is a useful treatment option for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients because it shows few complications with good functional and radiologic results.