ABSTRACT
Background: Pertrochanteric fracture is common in elderly population. The dynamic hip screw is widely accepted in the treatment of P/T fractures of the proximal femur
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess radiological and clinical union in elderly patients after operative treatment of a pertrochanteric femoral fracture with DHS
Design: A prospective study
Setting: Orthopaedic surgery department of Independent Medical College Faisalabad
Study Period: Between July 2009 and June 2012
Method: The study group included 22 males and 51 females aged 50-95 years following pertrochanteric fracture femur either stable or unstable. Relevant history and x-rays were taken. We followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients were operated on routine operation list under image intensifier after necessary investigations and fitness for anaesthesia. All the cases were treated by closed/open reduction and a dynamic hip screw [DHS] was inserted by a standard technique. An outpatient follow-up with x-ray check-ups was carried out at one-month, 3months, 6 months and after 1 year intervals to assess union and walking ability as outcome measures
Results: 73 cases were included in study 22 males and 51 females.66 fractures [90%] healed at an average of 12 weeks postoperatively [range 8-28 weeks]. There were 4 patients [5.47%] requiring further surgical intervention. No obvious shortening of more than 1.6 cm was noted compared to the contra lateral normal limb. Our results suggest that fixation with DHS may allow a faster post-operative restoration of walking ability. Mortality upto1 year 11[15.06%].Further 6[8.22%] patients were lost to follow up
Conclusion: It is concluded that the Dynamic Hip Screw is safe, suitable and reliable fixation