Outcome of external fixator in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients with co-morbidities

Authors

  • Deepak Kumar Dutta National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hosppital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • R, Sinha National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v7i1.29918

Keywords:

comorbidity, elderly, external fixator, intertrochanteric fracture, Harris Hip Score

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Incidence of intertrochanteric fracture is rising because of increasing number of elderly. They tend to have many comorbidities of different systems; therefore, major surgeries are not possible at times. In these patients, external fixator can be an option as it promotes early ambulation, thereby preventing recumbency-associated complications.

Material and Methods: Elderly patients of interetrochanteric fracture and with medical comorbidities were managed with external fixator. Functional outcome was measured by Harris Hip Score (HHS) on first post-operative day and in follow ups on 4, 12, and 24 weeks.

Results: Thrity patients (19 males, 11 females), of mean age 77.63 years (SD=9.06) were studied. HHS scores steadily increased from 37.6±5.28 on the first post-operative dayto 49.43±6.9 on 4 weeks, 59.83±7.17 on 12 weeks, and 72.47±4.17 on 24 weeks. The changes were all very highly significant (all p=0.000). Mean time taken to union was 14.67±2.28 weeks. None of the patients had recumbency-related complications.

Conclusion: External fixators for intertrochanteric fractures in medically comorbid elderly patientsis effective in promoting ambulation and preventing recumbency-related complications.

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Author Biographies

Deepak Kumar Dutta, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hosppital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Orthopedics

R, Sinha, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Orthopaedics

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Published

2019-12-31

How to Cite

Dutta, D. K., & Sinha, R. (2019). Outcome of external fixator in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients with co-morbidities. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Science, 7(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v7i1.29918

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Research Articles