BACKGROUND: Extramedullary fixation methods have been clinically used, such as dynamic hip screw (DHS), proximal femoral locking plate (LCP) and percutaneous compression plate (PCCP). DHS has been considered gold standard for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly people.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of DHS, LCP and PCCP in the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.
METHODS: Clinical data of 124 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures were retrospectively analyzed, including 53 cases treated with DHS, 27 with LCP, and 44 with PCCP. The outcomes of the three extramedullary fixations were compared by analyzing operation time, blood loss, complication and postoperative Sander hip injury scores.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 96 of 124 cases were followed up with a mean period of 19.8 (range 12-32) months. There were statistically significant differences in the operation time (77.4±7.0, 94.3±12.5, 448.2±9.0) minutes, blood loss (220.4±19.3, 237.4±23.9, 86.9±16.9) mL, among DHS, LCP, and PCCP groups (P < 0.05). However, incidence rate of complication was 16.22% (DHS), 13.04% (LCP), and PCCP (5.56%). There were no significant differences in Sander hip injury score in 3 groups (P > 0.05). Results show that DHS, LCP, and PCCP can be used effectively for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Moreover, PCCP has several advantages, such as shorter operation time, less blood loss and lower complication rate.