Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Dynamic hip screw (DHS), Gamma nail and external fixation frisket are widely applied to treat elderly intertrochanteric fractures, but there are no relevant criteria available in the clinical selection.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of DHS, Gamma nail and external fixation frisket in treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures.
METHODS: 168 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures were divided into three groups, respectively treated with DHS (n=53), Gamma nail (n=58), and external fixation (n=57). The operative time, blood loss, fracture healing time, and postoperative complications were compared, and joint function after operation was observed. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patients were followed up for 6-35 months. The mean operative time was 99.11 minutes in Gamma nail group, significantly longer than DHS and external fixation groups (P < 0.05). The amount of blood loss in DHS group was most, followed by Gamma nail, and then external fixation group (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of complications in external fixation group was significantly greater than the other groups. There were no differences in fracture healing time or hip joint function recovery (P > 0.05). DHS, Gamma nail and external fixation are effective methods for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. It can achieve satisfactory results with a reasonable choice for the state of illness.