Functional outcome of proximal femoral nailing in patients with intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the functional outcome of proximal femoral nailing (PFN) in intertrochanteric femoral fracture using Harris Hip Score (HHS) after six months of operation.

Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indus Hospital Muzaffargarh for a period of nine months. The study was conducted in patients aged 18–65 years with intertrochanteric fractures (≥2) and included a total of 122 patients enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling method. Surgical fixation with PFN was performed in all patients. Functional outcome at 6 months postoperatively was evaluated by using the Harris Hip Score, which was classified as excellent (90–100), good (80–89), fair (70–79), or poor (<70). Statistical analysis was performed by means of SPSS version 23.

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 58.3 ± 4.7 years (54.1% female, 45.9% male). The mean Harris Hip Score was 83.2 ± 9.3. Excellent results were found in 26.2% of patients, good in 39.3%, fair in 24.6%, and poor in 9.8%. Functional outcomes had a strong association with mode of injury (p =. 02), and slip-and-fall injuries produced more favorable results than road traffic accidents. There was no evidence of an association between gender and outcome (p =. 31). Younger patients trended toward better outcomes.

Conclusion:

Proximal femoral nailing is a safe and effective treatment modality for intertrochanteric femoral fractures providing promising functional outcomes and allows for early mobilization. PFN is a good candidate for the preferred surgical option, especially in aged patients and situation demand for fast stabilization of fracture. Long-term outcomes need to be confirmed by further multicenter studies.