Analysis on complications after treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral intramedullary nail in the elderly / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze causes for complications after proximal femoral intramedullary nail treating unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.Methods A total of 172 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral intramedullary nail from December 2001 to May 2007 were reviewed upon postoperative complications to find out the causes for complications and discuss countermeasures.Results Of all, 149 cases were followed up for 6-42 months(mean 18. 5 months), which showed excellence rate of 89. 0% in aspect of functional recovery of the hip. Postoper-ative systemic complications occurred in 26 cases and local complications in 21.Condusions Proxi-real femoral intramedullary nail can be used in most elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric frac-tures. A thorough evaluation of physiological function, treatment of preoperative comorbidities and aug-mentation of surgical technique are prerequisites for operation safety and decrease of complications.