Outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotation in peritrochanteric fractures: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: The incidence of peritrochanteric fractures are increasing worldwide. Early mobilization in these fractures prevents from other medical complications. There are many methods of treatment but the ideal method should be less invasive procedure, intramedullary device and stable fixation of fracture. Proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) is biomechanically considered one of the most effective methods of treatment with promising results.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in patient who were treated with PFNA in peritrochanteric fracture.

Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study which included 37 patients, conducted in Manipal Teaching Hospital from 1st October 2019 to 30th September 2020. All the patients were clinically evaluated and detail history was obtained. After the anaesthesia clearance the patients were operated. Operating time, intraoperative blood loss and complications were noted. Postoperatively the duration of hospital stay, time of partial and full weight bearing, time for radiological union and complications were noted. At the final follow up Harris Hip Score was used for functional outcome.

Results: The mean age of the patient in this study was 64 years (45-88 years). The average time to complete the surgery was 62.49 minutes (45-75 minutes) and the average blood loss was 129.32 ml (65-210 ml). Partial weight bearing was started at the mean time of 8.57 weeks (6-12 weeks) whereas full weight bearing was done at the mean of 14.43 weeks (10-20 weeks). Fracture union was seen at the average of 11.41 weeks (8-18 weeks). The mean Harris Hip score at final follow up was 84.73 (65.8-95.0) with the functional status of 35.1% excellent result, 45.9% good, 13.5% fair and 5.4% poor.

Conclusion: Proximal femoral nail antirotation in peritrochanteric fracture is a good method of fixation. The procedure is easy with reduced operative time and radiation exposure. Since this is minimally invasive procedure the blood loss is very less compared to DHS or plate fixation. The patient could be mobilized early from the bed that reduced the complication of immobilization. So we strongly recommend using PFNA for fixation of peritrochanteric fracture of hip.