A study of functional outcome in intertrochanteric femur fractures treated by proximal femoral nailing

Introduction: Intertrochanteric femur fracture is one of the most common fractures of the hip especially in the elderly with osteoporotic bones, usually due to trivial trauma.Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) is still considered the gold standard for treating intertrochanteric fractures by many. Proximal femoral nail is a relatively newer implant designed to treat unstable intertrochanteric fractures.The present study was conducted to evaluate functional outcome in intertrochanteric femur fractures treated by proximal femoral nailing. Methods:The present study is a prospective study performed on 98patients of intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated by Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN)in department of Orthopedics at Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College, Dhule. Functional outcome was assessed by modified Harris hip score at the end of 6 months postoperatively. Result: Total 98 patients were included,32 were females and 66 were males.Age group ranged from 18 to 85 years. Maximum patients (40.81%) were between 60 to 70 yrs age group. 56.12%of patients had Evans type I fracture and the rest (43.87%) had type IIfracture. Excellent outcome observed in 30.6% patients, good in 44.9%, fair outcome in 14.2% and only 10.2% had poor outcome among 98 patients. Conclusion:It is concluded from our study that use ofPFN for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures provides agood functional outcome along with advantages in terms ofminimal blood loss, early weight bearing and few complications. It is the implant of choice for unstable intertronchanteric fractures.