RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical effects of different fixing methods for intertrochanteric fractures and make theoretical analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2003 to June 2007, 321 patients with intertrochanteric fractures, male 132 and female 189, ranging in age from 20 to 93 years with an average of 56.8 years, were treated with different fixation including Richard nail (142 cases), proximal femora nail (PFN, 94 cases) and external fixator (85 cases). The clinical data of all the patients were retrospectively analyzed, including the incidence of complications, joint function of hip (according Kudema modified Merli D'Aubigne criteria).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 10 months to 4 years with an average of 14 months. About the incidence of complications, there was significant difference between the external fixator group and the others two groups (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference between the Richard nail group and the PFN group (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in joint function of hip among three methods. PEN group was best than others two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is the best clinical effects and lowest incidence of complications with PFN method, which is the better choice in treating intertrochanteric fractures.</p>