Dynamic Hip Screw versus Proximal Femoral Nail in the Management of Intertrochanteric Fractures - A Retrospective Analysis from Rajasthan

BACKGROUND Current management of Intertrochanteric (IT) fractures has evolved with the introduction of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN). The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes between the DHS and PFN for IT fracture fixation. METHODS This study is a retrospective comparative analysis of 455 patients with IT fractures; DHS (292) and PFN (163), who were treated from June 2012 to June 2015. The patients were reviewed postoperatively for a minimum of 12 months to evaluate functional outcome using Salvati-Wilson score. Categorical data was present as absolute number or percentages, and parametric variables were presented as Mean ± SD, while non parametric data were presented as median. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS Intramedullary nails offer no advantage over extramedullary devices to treat IT fractures caused by low-energy trauma (AO 31 - A1). However, clinically significant outcomes were established for PFN group in terms of duration of surgery, x- ray exposure and SW Score for AO / OTA 31 - A2 and 31 - A3. Reoperations encountered for local pain due to implant prominence were significantly higher in the PFN group (4.90 % versus 1.02 %). Kaplan Meier survival probability of 69.3 % and 79.5 % predicted for DHS and PFN respectively, 3 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Our conclusion reinforces indication for PFN in unstable IT fractures (31 - A2 and 31 - A3), owing to its better functional outcome and biomechanical properties. Functional outcomes for stable IT fracture (AO 31 - A1) were comparable between DHS and PFN, therefore final decision for implant choice depends on implant cost, surgeon’s preference for specific technique. However, understanding the morphology of proximal femur, peritrochanteric region is crucial to analyse the anatomical variations in Indian population which will provide the basis for intramedullary nail design modifications. KEYWORDS Intertrochanteric Fractures, DHS Fixation, PFN Fixation