A study to assess proximal femoral nailing versus dynamic hip screw device in surgical management of intertrochanteric fractures: a comparative study

Background: The incidence of inter trochanteric fracture is expected to have doubled by 2040. Inter trochanteric fractures account for about 45% to 50% of all hip fractures in the elderly populationand out of these, near about 50% to 60% are classified as unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The goal of treatment is restoring mobility safely and efficiently, while minimizing the risk of medical complications and technical failure. This study as performed to assess functional outcome with dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nail in intertrochanteric fracture management. Methods: It was prospective observational study done for a period of 1year from January 2016-January 2017 among patients who attended OPD or emergency department with intertrochanteric fracture. Two different implants were used dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN). Results: Excellent results in functional outcome was more in case of PFN (66.6%) compared to DHS (50%). The type of trauma in DHS group was road traffic accident in 38.8%, domestic fall in 50% and others such as assault was in 11.1% while in PFN group intertrochanteric fracture was seen in 61.1% due to domestic fall. Conclusions: The functional outcome was more better with proximal femoral nail (PFN) compared to dynamic hip screw (DHS). Therefore, proximal femoral nail (PFN) should be preferred for management of intertrochanteric fractures.