Publication:

Confounding variables affecting long term results of standard two screw cephalomedullary nail in intertrochanteric fractures of femur

Background Inter trochanteric fractures of femur are common fractures in the elderly. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term functional outcome of patients treated with trochanteric fixation nail (TFN) for inter trochanteric femur fractures and to determine variables which affect the final outcome of surgery at the end of five years.

Methods The study was done at tertiary centre in central India with 152 patients who sustained intertrochanteric femur fracture. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years after the surgery. The assessment of pain, functional activity, walking ability and range of motion were assessed by Harris hip score at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years.

Results The good/excellent outcome at the end of 5 years was found in 84% of cases. Patients with age less than 65 years and male patients had better outcome at the end of five years. Some of the complications encountered with this type of implant were z effect, delayed union, screw back-out/breakage, varus collapse which affected the final outcome.

Conclusions TFN is effective treatment technique for inter trochanteric fractures of femur worldwide. There are some complications which can occur with this type of implant in early post-operative period but still long-term follow-up of patients suggested that the fracture pattern, preoperative mobility status, timing of surgery, post op mobilization also plays a key role in determining functional outcome of patients.