Treatment of stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures using proximal femoral nail and their functional assessment using modified Harris hip score

Background: Intertrochanteric fracture is common injury and is found in both elderly and the young. Proximal femoral nail (PFN) has been in widespread use for the same in the recent past. There are advocates both for and against this implant. The aim was to study the results of PFN in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures and their functional evaluation using the modified Harris hip score. Methods: A prospective study done on 104 patients operated for intertrochanteric fractures with PFN. Patients were followed up at 6 weekly intervals and evaluated at each visit using the modified Harris hip score (HHS). Results: The study consisted of 104 patients aged from 36 to 96 years with average age of 67.8 years. Most patients belonged to 60-80 years category. Malunion was observed in three patients (2.8%) and non union was not seen in any patient. Excellent to good results were seen in 73% patients 18% patients had a fair outcome, 7.7% had poor and 2% patients had very poor outcome. Conclusions: PFN is a good implant for intertrochanteric fracture treatment that demands a sound technique and a good reduction prior to insertion. The assessment of results using HHS has been too similar to those obtained using Kyle’s criteria in the previous studies, proving its role in the same.