Role of hip abduction brace in preventing impending failure in PFN

Abstract

Introduction: The hip abduction brace is an orthotic device made after taking individual measurements and works on the principle by assisting or resisting the movements of joint and bypass the load on Implant and hip joint. Materials and Methods: In this study 19 patients are evaluated during 3years period from July 2012 to July 2015 with mean follow up of 9 months, conducted in M.Y. Hospital Indore. Abduction brace applied immediately in postoperative period till three months in all those fracture which were fixed in varus. We radiologically analyzed inter- trochanteric fracture patient operated with PFN fixation in immediate postoperative period, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 9 months period. Results: Inter-trochanteric fracture patients operated with PFN and identified as cases of impending failure were protected with hip abduction brace in immediate postoperative period giving good to excellent results in terms of reduced complication rate. Conclusion: Hip abduction brace or an Orthotic assisted weight bearing mobilization of these patients prevent further varus collapse and screw cut outs. Abbreviations: PFN – Proximal Femoral Nail. Keywords: Hip abduction brace, PFN.