A Study of Unstable Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures Treated by Trochanteric Femoral Nail

BACKGROUND fracture is one of the most common fracture of the hip especially in the elderly. The incidence of fracture is rising because of the increase in number of elderly population along with superadded osteoporosis. AND METHODS included cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures (AO and OTA Classification 31-A2 and 31-A3 fracture patterns) that operated with the short trochanteric femoral nail, which fitted into the inclusion criteria done in medical college hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary, from February 2015 to September 2016. age distribution was from 40 to 80 years. The largest group of patients were from 61 to 70 years. The average age was 60.5 years. The number of male patients in our series was 20 (66.7%) and female was 10 (33.3%). Right side was affected in 11 cases (36.7%) and left side in 19 cases (63.3%). Good reduction was achieved in 23 patients (76.7%). Acceptable reduction achieved in 7 (23.3%) patients due to severe comminution. In our study, 25 patients (83.33%) had no complications. We one intraoperative complication in the form of greater trochanter splintering, while inserting the nail. In our study, encountered following postoperative complications. We noticed one case of delayed union, one case of Z effect and 2 cases varus malunion. conclude that short trochanteric femoral nail provides good fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures if proper planning, good reduction and surgical technique are followed leading to high rate of bone union and minimal soft damage especially for Asian patients with relatively small femora.