Outcomes of Unstable Trochanteric Fractures Treated with Short Proximal Femoral Nail

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Hip fractures are considered one of the major health problems in aging populations. These fractures are associated with increased disability and mortality and decreased quality of life. Nowadays, most hip fractures are treated by extramedullary or intramedullary implants, which allow a stable fixation in the majority of cases.
Aim of Study: Is to evaluate clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of short proximal femoral nail in treatment of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures.
Patients and Methods: 21 patients with unstable trochanter-ic fractures underwent fixation with proximal femoral nail, assessment was done using Harris hip score.
Results: 15 patients achieved satisfactory results (seven excellent-eight good), four cases had fair outcome and two cases had poor outcome, one case had deep wound infection that led to backing out of screws and fixation failure.
Conclusion: The proximal femoral nail provides a stable construct for fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures that allows early post-operative weight bearing with minimal incidence of implant related failures.

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