The AO/ASIF proximal femoral nail (PFN) for the treatment of unstable trochanteric femoral fracture

Abstract

The AO/ASIF proximal femoral nail (PFN) is a new device designed for the treatment of the unstable trochanteric femoral fracture. This study reports the outcome in such fractures treated using the PFN at a District General Hospital. All patients presenting to our department with unstable trochanteric femoral fractures were treated operatively using the PFN. A total of 76 patients were included in the study and were followed up to fracture union or fixation failure. A case documentation form and follow-up form were used to collect the data which included the Salvati and Wilson assessment of hip function. The majority of the procedures were reported by the operating surgeon as “easy” or “usual”. Distal locking was difficult in three patients. In one patient, the fixation failed because the screws were wrongly positioned and was revised to a THR. Mortality rate, during the first 3 months, was 27%. Of the surviving patients, screws cut through the femoral head in four patients (8%), however, fractures united in all the patients. There was one incidence of fracture around the tip of the nail. Seventy-eight percent of the patients at the final follow-up scored >20 points (out of 40 points), using the Salvati and Wilson hip function scoring system. According to the patients and/or their carers, outcome was described as good or very good in 94% of the patients and the level of function was similar to pre-injury level in 50% of the patients. We conclude that the PFN is a useful device in the treatment of the unstable trochanteric femoral fracture. It is a relatively easy procedure and a biomechanically stable construct allowing early weight bearing. Femoral neck screws positioning is critical.