Is the proximal femoral nail a favourable option for trochanteric femur fractures in osteopenic elderly patients?

Abstract

Primary aim of this study to evaluate the functional results and complications of the patients aged 70 and over whom are treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN) because of hip fracture. 128 patients out of 223 patients were included in the study, who were aged 70 and over, to whom treated with proximal femoral nail because of hip fracture in our clinic between 2006 and 2014. Since 26 of these 128 patients who were included in this study passed away before the follow up period of 1 year, they were excluded from the study. Fractures were evaluated by AO/OTA classification. Their Singh index and morphological cortical indexes were calculated from the pre-surgery radiographies. The functional situations of the patients were evaluated by Harris hip score. Average age of the evaluated 102 patients was 81.13 (70-98), 44 of them were male, 58 of them were female. According to AO/OTA fracture classification 48 of them were 31-A1, 25 of them were 31-A2, 29 of them were 31-A3. 54 fractures were on the left hip, 48 fractures were on the right hip. Average Singh index was 2.72 (1-5), average morphological cortical index was 2.94 (2.1-3.7), average Harris hip score was 74.3 (49-88). 4 patients have had complications after surgery and revised with other treatment modalities. Since the functional results are on a satisfactory level, in our opinion as well, proximal femoral nail should be considered among the surgical treatments in the elderly patients with hip fracture.