Effect of proximal femoral nail antirotation in treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the treatment effect of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) on unstable femoral intertrochanterie fractures in the elderly. Methods A retrospective stud- y was done on 65 patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with PFNA from December 2005 to October 2006 and followed up for at least half a year. There were 22 males and 43 females, at age range of 67-97 (mean 78.5 years). All the operations were carried out within a week af- ter fractures. The data of operation time, operative blood loss, complications, bone healing time and hip function scores were recorded for evaluating treatment outcomes. Results All the patients were fol- lowed up for 6-18 months (average 10.5 months). The operation lasted for (29.6±7.5) minutes, with mean blood loss of (150.5±40.2) ml and bone healing time of (9.1±2.2) weeks. All patients ob- tained satisfactory treatment results, except for 3 patients with proximal thigh pain, 2 with pulmonary in- fection occurred and 1 with thrombs of lower limb vein. Harris post trauma hip function score was (88.5 ± 6.3) points. Conclusion PFNA is an effective way for femoral unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly, for it is characterized by short operation time, less blood loss and stable fixation.