Publication:

Comparative study of radiological outcomes of intertrochanteric fractures managed with intra medullary nailing with or without intraoperative temporary K-wire’s stabilization

Background Inter-trochanteric fractures are one of the most common hip fractures, occurring in both young adults and the elderly, as a result of high-energy trauma or low-energy trauma. These fractures are three to four times more common in elderly women with osteoporosis. The primary concern with Intertrochanteric fractures is the 20% to 30% mortality risk in the first year after the fracture.

Methods Various methods of fracture fixation have been used in treating this fracture with intramedullary nailing has been the most favoured. In this modality maintenance of reduction during and after fixation remains a concern. The temporary stabilization of  fracture with K-wires for minimally invasive fixation of Intertrochanteric fracture with an intramedullary nail is advocated and aids in keeping the fracture reduction in place while proximal reaming and nail introduction.

Results In this study a total of 80 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included, of which 45 patients operated with temporary K-wire, 43 patients reduction was maintained and loss of reduction was noted in 2 patients (4.4%) and 35 patients operated without K-wire, 29 patients reduction maintained and lost in 6 patients (17.1%).

Conclusions There was no statistically significant, difference in the 2 groups with respect to intra/post-operative loss of reduction. Having a larger study group the results may have a statistically significant outcome.