Effect of proximal femoral nail antirotation in treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

Objective To investigate the treatment effect of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) on unstable femoral intertrochanterie fractures in the elderly. Methods A retrospective stud- y was done on 65 patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with PFNA from December 2005 to October 2006 and followed up for at least half a year. There were 22 males and 43 females, at age range of 67-97 (mean 78.5 years). All the operations were carried out within a week af- ter fractures. The data of operation time, operative blood loss, complications, bone healing time and hip function scores were recorded for evaluating treatment outcomes. Results All the patients were fol- lowed up for 6-18 months (average 10.5 months). The operation lasted for (29.6±7.5) minutes, with mean blood loss of (150.5±40.2) ml and bone healing time of (9.1±2.2) weeks. All patients ob- tained satisfactory treatment results, except for 3 patients with proximal thigh pain, 2 with pulmonary in- fection occurred and 1 with thrombs of lower limb vein. Harris post trauma hip function score was (88.5 ± 6.3) points. Conclusion PFNA is an effective way for femoral unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly, for it is characterized by short operation time, less blood loss and stable fixation. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation, intramedullary; Proximal femoral nail