The clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty and proximal femoral nail (PFN) fixation of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in patients over 70 years old

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of proximal femoral nail and hemiarthroplasty in terms of functional results, morbidity and complications in patients over 70 years old who had unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures. Material and Methods: Twety five patients operated between 2007-2011 in three institutions were included in this study. Twelve underwent PFN fixation and 13 had hemiarthroplasty. The mean follow-up was 23 months. There were 14 men and 121 women. Both groups were compared in terms of operation time, blood loss, early and late complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and Haris hip scores. Findings: Operation time was less in the hemiarthroplasty group but the blood loss was lower in the PFN group. (p<0.05) LOS was similar in both groups. (p>0.05). The only early PFN complication was fixation loss. The late complication in the hemiarthroplasty group was osteolysis. The Harris hip scores were better in favor of the hemiarthroplasty group. Conclusion: PFN fixation without anatomic reduction causes more complications and secondary operations in this population. Anatomically reduced PFN fixation and hemiarthroplasty gives comparable clinical and functional results.