FIXATION OF UNSTABLE PERITROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OF FEMUR USING GAMMA NAIL

Abstract

Introduction : The early operative treatment of the peritrochanteric fractures is widely accepted practice and different sliding nail-plate systems, including Gamma Nails (GN) are used in the treatment. The GN was designed to treat unstable trochanteric fractures.Aim: The aim of this study was to discuss the results of treatment of unstable peritrtrochanteric fracture of femur in 30 patients treated by fixation by Gamma nail regarding its outcome .Patients and methods :The study was based on a total of 30 patients surgically treated for the unstable peritrochanteric femoral fracture in the period between August / 2014 till July /2017. All patients underwent gamma nail osteosynthesis. The average age of the patients was 67.2 years (range 40-81 years) with 13 male patients and 17 female patients. The average operative time was 71.8 min (range 45 -100 min). Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed during follow-up visits at 2 weeks , 6 weeks , 12 weeks and 6 months up to one year.Results :According to the final Harris hip score , results were excellent in 7 patients , good in 13 patients , fair in 5 patients and poor in 4 patients while one patient ends with deep infection and non union.Conclusion :This study suggests that the gamma nail is an excellent alternative in treatment of unstable peritrochanteric fracture as it gives advantage of closed technique, allows early mobilization and early weight-bearing. It involves lesser perioperative complications.