Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary hip screw (IMHS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN) have been used to treat intertrochanteric fracture due to simple operation and appropriate designs for the Asian. However, little data are available on curative effects comparison between them.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of IMHS and PFN on treating intertrochanteric fracture.
METHODS: A total of 215 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were randomized in two groups, IMHS group (n=110) and PFN group (n=105). Blood loss, operative time, mortality rate, postoperative complications, and walking ability of two groups were compared.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding blood loss, transfusion requirements and mortality rate. In IMHS group, 35 patients could walk independently, 57 walk with assistive device, and 18 could not walk, while in PFN group, 28 patients could walk independently, 48 walk with assistive device, and 29 could not walk. The movement function of IMHS group was better than PFN group (P < 0.05), and the number of total complications was significantly less in the IMHS group. These results indicate that IMHS nail allows for accurate surgical technique, for both static and dynamic compression and high rotational stability. IMHS can improve fracture healing, result in few complications and is more appropriate for intertrochanteric fracture.