Functional Outcome of Unstable Intertrochanteric fracture Treated with Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation

Abstract

Background: Intertrochanteric fractures are one of the most disabling injuries, most commonly observed among the elderly, and shows a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. Nowadays, intertrochanteric fractures are being treated with different extramedullary and intramedullary devices. Among them, intramedullary fixations show the best outcome, and are widely used for different treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures (type 31A2, 31A3). A new device designed by AO/ASIF, the Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation (PFNA) represents a unique intramedullary nail system for improved management, with decrease in the number of complications. Material Methods: This prospective hospital based clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh. The study duration was 2 years, from January 2018 to December 2019. During this period, a total of 48 patients who were admitted in the study place with unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur were included in the study. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks, and overall outcome was measured using Kyle’s Criteria. Results: 48 patients were treated for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The majority were between 50-80 years old (62.5%), with a mean age of 58.38. Gender distribution was even, with 50% male and 50% female. 75% of fractures were caused by a fall from height and 25% by a road traffic accident. 68.75% of fractures were type 31A3 and 31.25% were type 31A2. 68.75% of patients did not have comorbidities. The mean time interval for fixation was 12.6 days, and the majority of operations lasted between 45-90 minutes. 87.5% had a closed reduction and 12.5% had an open reduction. 64.58% of patients had radiation time between 2.5-3.3 minutes. At 2 weeks follow-up, 21.28% had poor functional outcome, 78.72% had fair functional outcome, and none had good or excellent outcomes. At 6 months follow-up, 2.17% had poor outcomes, 8.70% had fair outcomes, 34.78% had good outcomes, and 54.35% had excellent outcomes. 16.67% of patients experienced complications such as infection, varus, delayed union, and lateral migration. Conclusion: Most patients achieved good to excellent functional outcomes after treatment, with minimal complications.