Functional outcomes of proximal femoral nail versus dynamic hip screw in intertrochanteric fracture.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) and Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) treatments for patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Study Design: Comparative study. Setting: Trauma Centre, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Period: May 2020 to June 2022. Methods: The study comprised 150 patients aged over 40 years old and had Type 2 intertrochanteric fractures, as classified by Boyd and Griffin. Radiographs, functional assessments, and demographic information were collected and patients were followed for up to two years at regular intervals. Results: The mean age of patients was 70 years. The PFN group had significantly shorter surgery duration (57.47 minutes) compared to the DHS group (85.30 minutes), less blood loss (74 ml vs. 195 ml), and a shorter hospital stay (6.5 days vs. 11.8 days). Early weight bearing was achieved faster in the PFN group, with mean times to partial and full weight bearing of 3.12 and 8.45 weeks, respectively, compared to 5.52 and 12.32 weeks in the DHS group. Radiological union at three months was significantly better in the PFN group. Complications were fewer in the PFN group, with notable differences in screw cutout, migration, and backout rates. Pain levels were lower in the PFN group at three and six months post-operatively. Conclusion: PFN demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of reduced surgical time, blood loss, hospital stay, and faster weight-bearing capabilities compared to DHS. Radiological and functional outcomes also favoured PFN, making it a preferable option for treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures.