Osteoporotic Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly Managed with Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-The Functional Outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Despite recent evolution in the operating techniques and surgical implants, debate continues around the choice of implant for the management of intertrochanteric fractures of femur bone. There is a paucity of clinical data on the results with Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA). Aim: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of reduction and fixation of these fractures with PFNA. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted from december 2015 to november 2018. A total of 62 patients of more than 50 years of age with intertrochanteric fracture were managed with internal fixation using PFNA. All the pateints were evaluated with respect to the mean operative time, blood loss. Fluoroscopy exposure, time to union and development of any complication. The statistical analysis involved calculation of the mean and Standard Deviations (SD) of above parameters which was done using the Microsoft excel chart sheet. Functional evaluation was done using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results: A total of 62 patients with age ranging from 54 to 94 years (mean 78.2, SD 09.11) were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.3 months. The average operative time, the mean blood loss and the average fluoroscopy time were 61.4 (range 45-90 minutes, SD 11.6) minutes, 103.9 (range 60-200 mL, SD 36.4) mL and 74.0 (range 41 to 98, SD 13.5) seconds respectively. About 100% union rate with the average time to union being 16.1 (SD 3.3) weeks and ranging from 12 weeks to 24 weeks was reported. Varus collapse and limb shortening >1 cm were observed in 3 patients. The average HHS at the end of study showed a mean value of 82.8 (SD 8.6) and ranged from 65 to 94 with 46 (74.2%) patients having excellent to good outcome. Conclusion: Owing to easy insertion, reduced operative time and blood loss, stable fixation, less complications and good functional and radiological outcome, PFNA can prove to be an implant of choice for the management of intertrochantric fractures of the femur.