Intramedullary osteosynthesis of instable intertrochanteric femur fractures with Profin® nail in elderly patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the radiologic and functional results of patients with instable intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with Profin® nails.

Methods: This study included 32 patients (24 female, 8 male; mean age: 70.7 years; range: 65 to 96 years) who were treated with Profin® nails for instable intertrochanteric fractures. Fractures were caused by a simple fall in 30 patients and pedestrian accident in two. Eleven patients had Type 31-A2 and 21 patients had Type 31-A3 fractures according to the AO/OTA classification. Results were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Mean follow-up period was 17.3 (range: 12 to 23) months.

Results: Good or acceptable reduction was achieved in 93.7% of our patients. Mean surgery duration was 28.2 (range: 22 to 75) minutes and mean blood loss was 215 (range: 150 to 320) cc. Complete union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 17.6 (range: 15 to 22) weeks. Postoperative mean collodiaphyseal angle was 125.5 (range: 122 to 130) degrees and there was no significant difference with follow-up values (p>0.05). Twenty-two patients were able to walk with support and 10 without support after surgery. Mean Oxford hip score was 23.70 (range: 14 to 39) points. One year mortality rate was 18.75%.

Conclusion: Good functional and radiologic results can be achieved using Profin® nails for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients.