Proximal Femoral Shortening Research Articles

Increasing the Knee Arc of Motion in Patients With Arthrogryposis: Minimum 2-year Follow-up.

Surgery for knee flexion contractures in patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) have achieved extension to redirect the arc of motion and improve ambulation but has not demonstrated maintained increases in total range of motion (ROM). This study aimed to review the clinical outcomes of combined posterior knee release, proximal femoral shortening, and nerve decompression in patients with arthrogryposis. A retrospective chart and radiographic review were performed on patients with AMC who underwent treatment for knee flexion deformities ≥30 degrees. ROM, ambulation status, and orthotic use were reviewed and analyzed. Complications were recorded. Twenty-nine patients with 51 knees and a mean age of 5.7 years were included. The mean follow-up was 36.9 months. The mean ROM increased from 49 to 80 degrees between pre-op and latest follow-up (P<0.0001). The mean final follow-up flexion deformity was 10 degrees (P<0.0001). Preoperative ROM was moderately correlated with final ROM (rs=0.51). The percentage of ambulatory patients improved from 39% to 93%. Five limbs experienced a fracture either intraoperatively or postoperatively, and 5 limbs required a return trip to the operating room. Improved ambulation and knee ROM can be maintained in patients with AMC at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Prospective investigation and longer follow-up are required to validate these findings. Level IV-therapeutic.

Mechanical Complications After Intramedullary Fixation of Extracapsular Hip Fractures.

Extracapsular hip fractures occur frequently in the elderly as a result of low-energy trauma. Achieving stable fixation in osteoporotic bone to allow early weight bearing is a key objective in the treatment of these injuries. Many of the intraoperative decisions facing surgeons are directed by first determining fracture stability. Unstable fracture patterns should be fixated with intramedullary nails, aiming to control motion around the implant and at the fracture site. Torsion control devices provide additional stability and control, although their exact indications are not precisely defined. Complications that arise as a result of the early loading can be avoided with a good surgical reduction, meticulous technique, and proper implant selection. Mechanical complications include cutout, inordinate proximal femoral shortening, delayed union, early implant fracture, nail toggle, and cut through/medial migration.

Bent or broken: analysis of set screw fracture in the TFNa implant

ObjectivesTo evaluate set screw fracture in the Trochanteric Femoral Nail Advanced implant (TFNa, Synthes, West Chester, PA) and to identify additional mechanisms of set screw failure in the TFNa.Materials and methodsPatients who had experienced failure after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the TFNa were identified. TFNa implants were explanted and inspected following revision surgery. Medical device reports (MDRs) and manufacturer’s inspection reports describing similar failures for the TFNa in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database were also reviewed.ResultsFour set screw fractures that occurred at a level II trauma center were observed. Sixty-seven reported failures were identified in the MAUDE database for review. Twenty-eight failed implants were returned to the manufacturer for inspection with a published inspection report available for analysis. Set screw fractures can occur in the TFNa when the set screw is deployed prematurely into the proximal screw aperture prior to blade/screw insertion. The set screw can also bend and deform if it is advanced against a helical blade/lag screw that is not fully seated into position, thereby potentially compromising its function.ConclusionThe TFNa set screw allows for potential fracture during implant insertion leading to uncontrolled collapse, early excessive proximal femoral shortening, and rotational instability of the helical blade/lag screw. Similar failures in the TFNa can be prevented by having the surgeon inspect the proximal screw aperture after attachment of the proximal aiming aim to ensure the set screw has not been deployed prematurely.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level III.

Novel Approach to Improving Knee Range of Motion in Arthrogryposis with a New Working Classification.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare condition defined as contrac-tures in multiple joints. Surgical interventions for severe knee flexion contractures have included posterior release, distraction and extension with external fixation and distal femoral extension osteotomies. These operations have been able to achieve knee extension, but not increase the range of motion. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with peroneal nerve decompression, posterior knee release and proximal femoral shortening. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and radiographs of all patients with a diagnosis of arthrogryposis who underwent aforementioned procedure. There were 39 patients with 73 knees included in the analysis with a mean follow-up of 21 months. The mean preoperative arc of motion was 45° and last followup arc of motion was 79° (p < 0.0001). The mean last followup flexion contracture was 8° (p < 0.0001). Additional subanalyses were performed on those with followup greater than 24 months and those with flexion contractures >60°; there were no differences found in these groups. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a functional range of motion of the knees in patients with AMC while improving ambulatory function.

How to Assess Proximal Femoral Shortening after Nailing of Proximal Femoral Fractures? A Short Review

AbstractProximal femoral fractures (PFFs) are considered one of the most frequent situations faced by orthopaedic surgeons. Many lines of management had been described. Although management of PFFs with cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) is now considered the gold standard with many mechanical and biological advantages, this technique may have some disadvantages such as residual peritrochanteric pain, limping, limited walking distance, and difficulty with stairs. These complications may be attributed to fracture malreduction with shortening, which may result in either malunion or nonunion and ultimately implant failure. The resultant proximal femoral shortening (PFS) with alteration of the proximal femoral mechanics may affect both the hip abductor function and the daily patient activities. The purpose of this short review is to discuss the assessment and secondary effects of PFS after treating femoral fractures with CMNs.

Proximal Femoral Shortening and Varus Collapse After Fixation of "Stable" Pertrochanteric Femur Fractures.

To evaluate and compare femoral neck shortening and varus collapse in stable pertrochanteric femur fractures treated with sliding hip screws (SHSs) or cephalomedullary nails (CMNs). Retrospective review. Academic medical center. A total of 290 patients were included in the study. The average age was 82 years, and most were women. All sustained low-energy pertrochanteric femur fractures (OTA/AO A1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2) treated operatively with SHSs or CMNs. Minimum radiographic follow-up was 3 months, with an average of 28 (range 3-162) months. CMN or SHS fixation. Varus collapse of the femoral neck-shaft angle and proximal femoral shortening. Both implants allowed some varus collapse. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significantly greater portion of patients with SHSs progressed to varus collapse >5 degrees (P = 0.02), mild horizontal shortening >5 mm (P < 0.01), and severe horizontal shortening >10 mm (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in vertical shortening (P = 0.3). There was no difference in implant failure (P = 0.5), with failure rates of 3% for cephalomedullary implants and 5% for SHS constructs. The SHS group experienced greater varus collapse and horizontal shortening. There was no difference in overall implant failure. These findings suggest that the CMN is a superior construct for maintenance of reduction in stable pertrochanteric fractures, which may lead to improved functional outcomes as patients recover. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pelvic osteotomies for DDH treatment in pediatric patients: assessment of risk factors.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is the common hip pathology in pediatric orthopedist’s practice. Without treatment, DDH leads to early-onset hip arthritis. In non-walking patients, excellent results may be achieved with non-surgical treatment, but in walking patients, surgical treatment is considered usually. Among all surgical options, applications of pelvic osteotomies give predictably better results. Few pelvic osteotomies (Salter, Dega, and Pemberton osteotomies) are widely used for DDH treatment in pediatric patients, but a better one hasn’t been determined. Suggested risk factors that may lead to unsatisfactory results are the patient's age and the preoperative acetabular deformity’s degree. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is the commonest and most harmful complication. It is supposed that adding the proximal femoral shortening osteotomy may decrease it. This systematic review aimed to 1) to reveal the better one pelvic osteotomy in terms of results; 2) to establish the impact of patient’s age and preoperative acetabular deformity’s degree on results after the abovementioned pelvic osteotomies; 3) to reveal the impact of additional proximal femoral shortening osteotomy on postoperative AVN rate. Methods: 51 articles were selected for analysis; patient information was extracted from these articles; statistical processing of these data was performed. Results: in terms of postoperative results, better one pelvic osteotomy wasn't determined; older patient’s age (older than 3-4 years old) may lead to worse results after Salter and Dega osteotomies; larger preoperative acetabular deformity’s degree may lead to worse results after Pemberton osteotomy; the impact of additional proximal femoral shortening osteotomy on postoperative AVN rate exists but is low and statistically insignificant. Level of Evidence – Level III, therapeutic study.

The effect of nail diameter on proximal femoral shortening after internal fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures with short cephalomedullary nails

ObjectiveInvestigate the effect of distal nail diameter on proximal femoral shortening (PFS) after cephalomedullary nailing of hip fractures. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 80 patients aged 50 years and older with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with a 10 or 11 mm short cephalomedullary nail (CMN) was performed. We measured abductor lever arm shortening, femoral height shortening, and PFS. ResultsThere was no difference in abductor lever arm shortening (p = 0.09), femoral height shortening (p = 0.86), and PFS (p = 0.34) between the 10 and 11 mm groups. ConclusionsOur results suggest that distal nail diameter does not affect PFS. Level of evidenceIII.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of combined acetabuloplasty with acetabular redirectional osteotomy and femoral shortening for children older than 9 years of age with developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective case series.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a challenging pediatric condition. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and the efficacy of Dega osteotomy in combination with pelvic triple osteotomy or periacetabular osteotomy and femoral shortening with derotational osteotomy for the treatment of severe acetabular deformity secondary to DDH in children older than 9 years of age. The clinical data of 22 children treated at our institution were retrospectively collected. Pre- and postoperative hip radiographs were evaluated. Center-edge (CE) angle was measured, and Severin classification and McKay criteria were used to evaluate the final outcome. Twenty-two patients (including 21 female patients) were treated during the study period. The mean age was 10.9 years (range 9.1-14.8). All patients had preoperative Tonnis grades III and IV dislocated hips. Mean follow-up time was 25.7 months (range 14-48). All but three hips underwent open reduction. All had concomitant proximal femoral shortening and derotation osteotomy. At last follow-up visit, all hips remained located and no cases of avascular necrosis were recorded. All patients had Severin grade I-II hips at last follow-up. According to McKay criteria, clinical outcome was excellent in three patients, good in seven, and fair in 12 patients. Acetabuloplasty in combination with periacetabular osteotomy and femoral shortening with derotational osteotomy is a valid and effective treatment for children older than 9 years of age with severe acetabular deformity secondary to DDH. Although the early clinical outcome of the reported procedure is favorable, further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of the reported technique.

Timing of proximal femoral shortening in the early postoperative period after cephalomedullary nailing of hip fractures

ObjectivesExamine the timing of proximal femoral shortening (PFS) after cephalomedullary nailing of hip fractures. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 21 patients ≥50 years old with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with a short cephalomedullary nail (CMN) was performed. Abductor lever arm shortening, femoral height shortening, and PFS were measured. ResultsMean PFS at 10–21 days postoperatively was 5.54 mm, compared to 11.31 mm at final follow-up. The percentage of total PFS that occurred within 10–21 days postoperatively was 53.9%. ConclusionApproximately half of total PFS occurs within 1.5–3 weeks and is notable on radiographs by the first postoperative visit.

The outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

The optimal rehabilitation program for patients with post-total hip arthroplasty (THA) after developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, to define a postoperative rehabilitation program, and to report the complication rate of THA in patients with DDH. DDH hips (n= 89) were recruited. The transverse proximal femoral shortening osteotomy was applied to all patients. The rehabilitation program was performed on the first day immediately after operation to the 6th week. Pain was assessed via Visual Analogue Scale, and the function was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score at the end of the 3rd month and the first year. The weakness of hip abduction was assessed via the Trendelenburg test before the operation and at one year. Statistically significant improvements were seen for pain (p< 0.001) and function (p< 0.001) in the third month. This improvement continued for pain from three months to one year (p< 0.001). However, the function did not increase from month three to one year (p= 0.47). The Trendelenburg test was positive in all cases in the first assessment; it decreased to 24.7% at one year. The complication rate was 11.23%. The pain and function of patients who performed exercise following THA due to DDH might improve, especially in the first three months.

Classifications in Brief: The Hartofilakidis Classification of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Classifications in Brief: The Hartofilakidis Classification of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

The use of pediatric locked plates in the paralytic hip: preliminary results of 61 cases

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of proximal femoral varus derotational and shortening osteotomy (OVRF) (Port., doesn’t match name) with the use of a locked plate in patients with cerebral palsy, classified by the gross motor functional classification system as class IV or V. MethodsA retrospective study of 42 patients (61 hips) with cerebral palsy, gross motor functional classification system class IV or V, submitted to OVRF. The minimal follow up was 24 months. This study evaluated clinical (age at surgery, gender, Gross Motor Functional Classification System class, anatomical cerebral palsy classification, and motor pattern), pre- and post-operative radiological (neck shaft angle, acetabular index, Reimers migration index and time until bone healing) characteristics, as well as post-operative complications. ResultsMean pre-operative cervicodiaphyseal angle, acetabular index, and Reimers migration index were respectively 121.6°, 22.7°, and 65.4% in uncomplicated cases, and 154.7°, 20.4°, and 81.1% in complicated ones. All parameters were statistically significant difference between pre- and postoperative values (p<0.05). The patients with postoperative complications had a greater cervicodiaphyseal angle and Reimers migration index (p<0.0001). There were no differences in clinical characteristics, time of immobilization, or bone healing. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications (33.3%), but only six required surgical treatment. ConclusionThe locked plate is a safe resource, with low complication rates and reproducible technique for OVRF in the cerebral palsy population classified as gross motor functional classification system IV and V. Greater cervicodiaphyseal angles and Reimers migration index are associated with greater chances of postoperative complications, as well as gross motor functional classification system V classification.

Comparative study of proximal femoral shortening after the third generation of Gamma nail versus proximal femoral nail anti-rotation in treatment of intertrochanteric fracture

To explore the difference of the proximal femoral shortening (PFS) between the third generation of Gamma nail (TGN) and the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in treating intertrochanteric fracture of femur. The clinical data of 158 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur who were treated with TGN internal fixation or PFNA internal fixation between January 2014 and December 2015 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into TGN group (69 cases) and PFNA group (89 cases) according to surgical operation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, bone mineral density, causes of injury, AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, accompanied disease, and the time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The result of fracture reduction was divided into 3 types: positive medial cortex support, neutral position cortex support, and negative medial cortex support according to the method of Chang et al. At 18 months postoperatively, bilateral hip anteroposterior X-ray films were taken to measure horizontal PFS values (marked as X), vertical PFS values (marked as Y), and calculate the total PFS values (marked as Z). The PFS values were divided into 4 grades according to the criteria (≤1.0 mm, 1.0-4.9 mm, 5.0-9.9 mm, and ≥10.0 mm), and the constituent ratio was calculated and compared between 2 groups. The X, Y, and Z values and the collodiaphyseal angles of 2 groups at 18 months postoperatively were compared. The X, Y, and Z values of 2 groups of patients with failed fixation and normal healing within 18 months after operation were recorded and compared. The X, Y, and Z values of 2 groups of the patients with different cortex support types were also compared. There were 34 cases of positive medial cortex support, 30 cases of neutral position cortex support, and 5 cases of negative medial cortex support in TGN group, and there were 45, 33, and 11 cases in PFNA group respectively, showing no significant difference between 2 groups ( Z=-1.06, P=0.29). All patients were followed up 18 months after operation. At 18 months after operation, the constituent ratios of PFS values (X, Y, Z) had significant differences between 2 groups ( P<0.05). The patients of shortening of 1.0-4.9 mm and 5.0-9.9 mm were obviously more in TGN group than in PFNA group; the patients of shortening of ≥10.0 mm were obviously more in PFNA group than in TGN group. There were significant differences in X, Y, and Z values between 2 groups ( P<0.05), but no significant difference of the collodiaphysial angle was found between 2 groups ( t=0.47, P=0.64). Six cases of internal fixation failed in TGN group and PFNA group respectively within 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference of X, Y, and Z values between failed fixation and normal healing patients within 2 groups ( P>0.05). When the reposition effect was the positive medial cortex support, the X, Y, and Z values were significantly lower in TGN group than in PFNA group ( P<0.05); but no significant difference was found between 2 groups when the reposition effect was the neutral position cortex support or negative medial cortex support ( P>0.05). At 18 months after operation, the X, Y, and Z values of the negative medial cortex support patients were significantly higher than those of the positive medial cortex support or the neutral position cortex support patients within 2 groups ( P<0.05). PFS is a common complication of the intertrochanteric fracture of the femur after internal fixation. During operation, the selection of internal fixation should be based on the results of intraoperative reduction. TGN should be applied to reduce PFS if positive medial cortex support happened.

Total hip arthroplasty in neglected congenital high dislocation of the hip. A comparison of four different surgical techniques.

The safest and easiest technique of performing a total hip replacement (THR) in neglected high congenitally dislocated hip (CDH) is still debatable. To find the best method, a prospective randomised trial comparing four different techniques was undertaken. A total of 48 THRs were performed on 40 patients with CDH. Average age was 40.6 years and average follow-up was 42 months. Four different techniques (n=12 each) were used: 1) THR into neo-acetabulum in a single operation, 2) THR into real acetabulum as a one stage procedure, 3) Campbell release operation followed by THR into real acetabulum after three weeks of traction, 4) THR with proximal femoral shortening. Even though shortening and one stage THR is technically more demanding we believe it superior to the other techniques. (Hip International 2002; 12: 308-13).

O uso de placas bloqueadas pediátricas no quadril paralítico: resultados preliminares de 61 casos

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of proximal femoral varus derotational and shortening osteotomy (OVRF) (Port., doesn’t match name) with the use of a locked plate in patients with cerebral palsy, classified by the gross motor functional classification system as class IV or V. MethodsA retrospective study of 42 patients (61 hips) with cerebral palsy, gross motor functional classification system class IV or V, submitted to OVRF. The minimal follow up was 24 months. This study evaluated clinical (age at surgery, gender, Gross Motor Functional Classification System class, anatomical cerebral palsy classification, and motor pattern), pre‐ and post‐operative radiological (neck shaft angle, acetabular index, Reimers migration index and time until bone healing) characteristics, as well as post‐operative complications. ResultsMean pre‐operative cervicodiaphyseal angle, acetabular index, and Reimers migration index were respectively 121.6o, 22.7o, and 65.4% in uncomplicated cases, and 154.7o, 20.4o, and 81.1% in complicated ones. All parameters were statistically significant difference between pre‐ and postoperative values (p <0.05). The patients with postoperative complications had a greater cervicodiaphyseal angle and Reimers migration index (p <0.0001). There were no differences in clinical characteristics, time of immobilization, or bone healing. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications (33.3%), but only six required surgical treatment. ConclusionThe locked plate is a safe resource, with low complication rates and reproducible technique for OVRF in the cerebral palsy population classified as gross motor functional classification system IV and V. Greater cervicodiaphyseal angles and Reimers migration index are associated with greater chances of postoperative complications, as well as gross motor functional classification system V classification.

Proximal Femoral Shortening After Cephalomedullary Nail Insertion for Intertrochanteric Fractures

To assess the incidence of proximal femoral shortening (PFS) and its effect on the patient outcomes when intertrochanteric fractures were treated with a cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Retrospective cohort study. Level II trauma center. Forty-eight consecutive patients with OTA/AO 31-A intertrochanteric fractures. All patients were treated with a Gamma3 CMN (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI). PFS was assessed for abductor lever arm (x vector), femoral height (y vector), and overall shortening (z vector) on anteroposterior radiographs. Fixation success and retained ambulatory capacity were noted. Shortening of >5 mm of the x, y, and z vectors was evident in 18, 20, and 29 patients, respectively. Shortening of >10 mm of the x, y, and z vectors was measured in 5, 6, and 8 patients, respectively. Mean shortening of the x, y, and z vectors was 4.5, 5.5, and 7 mm, respectively. Greater PFS was found to be associated with fixation failure and inability to retain ambulatory capacity, independently (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.025, respectively). Of note, an unstable fracture pattern was not found to be associated with greater PFS. PFS is a common phenomenon after CMN of intertrochanteric fractures with a Gamma CMN. In addition, greater PFS seems to be associated with fixation failure and inability to retain ambulatory capacity postoperatively. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

3D-printed navigation template in proximal femoral osteotomy for older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

To explore the feasibility of 3D-printed navigation template in proximal femoral varus rotation and shortening osteotomy for older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between June 2014 and May 2015, navigation templates were designed and used for 12 DDH patients. Surgical information and outcomes were compared to 13 patients undergoing the same surgery but without navigation template. In template-guided patient group, operation time (21.08 min vs. 46.92 min), number of X-ray exposures (3.92 vs. 6.69), and occurrence of femoral epiphysis damage (0 vs. 0.92) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after 12–18 months follow-up, 66.7% and 16.7% of the hips in template-guided group were rated as excellent or good, respectively, according to the McKay criteria; 83.3% and 16.7% by using the Severin criteria respectively. By contrast, 46.2% and 23.1% of the hips in traditional operation group were classed as excellent or good, respectively, using the McKay criteria; 46.2% and 30.8% by using the Severin criteria respectively. The template-guided group achieved a better outcome; however, there was no significant difference. Application of the navigation template for older DDH children can reduce the operation time, radiation exposure, and epiphysis damage, which also simplifies surgery and improves precision.

Application of computer-aided design and 3D-printed navigation template in Locking Compression Pediatric Hip PlateΤΜ placement for pediatric hip disease.

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of a drill template based on computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing technology for the placement of screws in Locking Compression Pediatric Hip Plate (LCP-PHP). LCP-PHP was used in 11 children [5 with femoral neck fracture and 6 with development dysplasia of hip (DDH)]. Using the CT data, the proximal femur model was created by a 3D printer. Fracture reduction and the placement of the screw in the femoral neck and the LCP-PHP were simulated by the computer. The navigation template was designed by the software to match the proximal femur. After the feasibility of the 3D model operation was demonstrated before the operation, the guide pins and the screws were inserted with the help of the navigate template in the operation. During surgery, the navigation template for each case was matched to the bony markers of the proximal femur. With the help of the template, in femoral neck fracture cases, three screws could be accurately inserted into the femoral neck to implant the LCP-PHP and stabilize the fracture. The template for DDH includes all operation parameters and steps for proximal femoral varus rotation and shortening osteotomy, which made the surgery much easier to perform. Radiographs taken after surgery showed that the postoperative results closely corresponded to the preoperative computer simulation. The average time taken for LCP-PHP placement was 26.5min; radiography was used during surgery only for an average of 6.0 times. Postoperative radiographs showed good results. With the use of CAD and 3D printing technology, accurate placement of individualized navigation template of LCP-PHP can be achieved. This technology can reduce intraoperative damage to the femoral neck epiphysis, decrease operation time, reduce intraoperative hemorrhage, and decrease radiation exposure to patients and personnel during the surgery.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Treatment for Type A1 Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture in Elderly Patients: Comparison of Dynamic Hip Screw and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) treatment of AO type 1 intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 194 consecutive patients with type A1 intertrochanteric femoral fractures who were treated with DHS (n=113) or PFNA (n=81). We evaluated operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and functional outcomes, walking ability, and the Barthel activities index. Fracture union, sliding of hip screw, proximal femur shortening, and presence of complications were assessed radiologically at relevant follow-up intervals.ResultsThe mean operation time and blood loss were significantly lower for the PFNA group, but walking ability and Barthel index decreased to a similar extent for both groups. However, patients in the DHS group complained of significantly more pain (P=0.049). Although there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the time until fracture union was achieved, patients in the DHS group exhibited a higher extent of proximal femoral shortening and sliding of the hip screw. Differences about hip screw sliding and proximal femur shortening within each subgroup were not significant.ConclusionCompared to DHS treatment, PFNA treatment of type A1 intertrochanteric fractures is associated with reduced blood loss, shorter operation time, and less severe pain after surgery. Additionally, sliding of the hip screw and proximal femur shortening are expected to occur more frequently after DHS.