The PFNA Nail for Pertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur without Fracture Table

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of intertrochanteric fractures treatment with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) without using fracture tables and thereby prevent complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty cases of intertrochanteric fracture of 39 patients that were treated with PFNA without using fracture tables between January 2008 to December 2009 were analyzed. There were 13 males and 27 females. The mean age was 76 years old. Using AO classification, 6 cases were A1, 25 cases were A2 and 9 cases were A3. The operation was done without using fracture tables at supine position. Operation time, intraoperative bleeding were checked. For the result, Cleveland index, tip apex distance, fracture site sliding rate, change of femur neck and shaft angle were evaluated. Bone union time and complications were also estimated from the follow up radiograph. Statistics were analyzed using Independent T-test. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 40 minutes (25 to 70 minutes) and mean intraoperative bleeding was 113 cc (40 to 250 cc). The Cleveland index was shown 94% of 5, 6, 8 and 9 zone, the tip apex distance was 12.96 mm (6 to 22 mm), the fracture sliding distance was 1.9 mm (0 to 6 mm), the change of femur neck and shaft angle was 2.5 degree (0~10 degree) and the average bone union time was 15 weeks (8 to 24 weeks). The complication include 2 cases of delayed union and 2 cases of varus deformities. CONCLUSION: We have shortened the operation time by closed reduction methods without using the fracture tables, and the complication were minimized with using simple tools like a reduction forcep or bone hook at PFNA blade insertion.