Publication:

Functional and radiological outcome of osteosynthesis using proximal femoral nail antirotation II system in intertrochanteric femoral fractures

Background Intertrochanteric fractures are relatively common injuries in adults and a common source of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Incidence of fractures is increasing because the general life expectancy of the population has increased significantly during the past few decades. Stable fixation and early mobilization is needed in these fractures to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Extra-medullary implants are biomechanically inferior in these cases. The proximal femoral nail antirotation-II (PFNA-II) is an intra-medullary nail system designed for such fractures. The purpose of this study was to assess the results and complications of PFNA-II in intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Methods After seeking approval from institutional Ethical committee, this study was conducted on 30 patients attending our emergency department with intertrochanteric femur fractures at SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina, Srinagar from February 2018 to June 2019. The patients were treated with proximal femoral nail antirotation-II. Follow up was done at 2, 6, 12 and 24 weeks.  The functional outcome was assessed at 6 months follow up using the Harris Hip Score.

Results Based on the Harris hip score, 18 (60%) patients had excellent results, 10 (33%) had good results and 2 (7%) had Fair results. None of the patients had poor result. Average time to union was 12.27 weeks.

Conclusions This study found the PFNA-II to be a versatile, easy to use and dependable implant for stable as well as unstable intertrochanteric fractures. PFNA II is distinct advance over the previous methods of treatment, though it has an initial learning curve.