Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) for the Treatment of the Femoral Trochanteric Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We report our experience of treatment of peritrochanteric fractures with newly designed proximal femoral nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied 24 cases of the peritrochanteric fractures using PFN between Jun. 2001 and Aug. 2002 excluding 3 cases (1 case expired due to ARF and pulmonary complication, 2 cases were loss of follow-up). The mean age was 69.6 years and the mean duration of follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: The mean medial cortical displacement of postoperative roentgenogram was 4.6mm, the mean anterior cortical displacement of postoperative roentgenogram was 4.1 mm, the mean degree of sliding of lag screw between postoperative and last follow-up roentgenogram was 1.2 mm. Neck-shaft angle was average 3.3degrees varus angulation (from postoperative average 131.1degrees to last follow-up average 127.8degrees). Allowed to begin weight-bearing at 1 week postoperatively, the mean union time was 10 weeks and all cases showed bony union and there were no evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Perioperatve complications were pulmonary embolism, DVT, varus deformity, 2 thigh pains, and so on. CONCLUSION: We obtained satisfactory results in treatment of the femoral trochanteric fractures using PFN in point of early ambulation, excellent union rate and minimal complication.