ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of intertrochanteric fracture by the fixation using proximal femoral nail (PFN/PFNA).Methods From Jan.2008 to Dec.2010,56 cases with intertrochanteric fracture,including 18 males and 38 females with an average age of 76 years (range,67 -94 ),were treated by fixation with PFN or PFNA.All patients had closed fractures in the shaft of femur.The average time from injury to operation was 3.2 days (ranging from 2.0 days to 10.0 days).All the patients were followed for 1,2,3,6,12 month after surgery,respectively,and then at least once per year.The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to Harris criteria and radiological examinations.Results The mean operating time of all cases was 55 minutes ( ranging from 40 to 80 minutes),and the mean blood loss during surgery was 80 ml (range,50 - 150 ml).All patients was able to walk with walking aid 3 -7 days after surgery.All the patients with fracture healed after 3.5 - 6.0 months ( mean:4 months ).No complications such as infection,lower limb vein infarction,cut-out or breakage of the implants occurred.Four cases had coxa vara shortening deformation,According to Harris criteria,the clinical results were excellent in 43 cases,good in 9,and moderate in 4,with the rate of patients in excellent and good condition was 92.86％ (52/56).Conclusion PFN/PFNA is an effective and minimally invasive method for intertrochanteric fracture,with minimal invasion,high fixation-strength and optimal biomechanics characteristics.This treatment technique produces a high rate of bone re-union,early functional recovery and less complications.