A COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF DYNAMIC HIP SCREW AND PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL IN TREATMENT OF SUBTROCHANTERIC FRACTURE FEMUR

Abstract

Subtrochanteric fractures are relatively rare, accounting for 10 - 34% of all hip fractures1,2,3. They may be very difficult to fix, and the risk of failure has been high with loss of the lesser trochanter and the medial buttresses 3,4, Various intramedullary and extramedullary devices have been developed in an attempt to address potential complications of device failure, mal- or non-union and deformities. In our prospective case series 29 subtrochanteric fractures were involved. The aim of this study is to assess fracture union and functional outcome in subtrochanteric fracture femur treated with proximal femoral nailing and dynamic hip screw, and also to evaluate advantages, disadvantages and major postoperative complications associated with the proximal femoral nailing and dynamic hip screw. Conclusion: The average functional scores for the PFN group at 6 months was 31.5 (excellent) which was significantly greater than the DHS group 27.1(good) (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in time to union in both groups (average 5.7 months for DHS group and 5.2 months for PFN group) (p = 0.26). The intraoperative complication rate for the PFN group was 36% which was significantly higher than the DHS group (0%) (p =0.001). The PFN had a significantly better functional outcome than DHS plating at 6 months. Long term studies may be needed to observe whether the difference persists on further follow ups. The PFN had a significant advantage over the DHS with side plate in subtrochanteric fractures with regards to less blood loss, less requirement for transfusions, better functional scores, less shortening and fewer incidences of postoperative complications. From the study, we consider PFN as better alternative to DHS in the treatment of subtrochanteric fracture femur but is technically difficult procedure and requires more expertise compared to DHS.