FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME IN INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OPERATED WITH PROXIMAL FEMORAL COMPRESSION NAILING – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures often result in loss of mobility and independence, especially in the elderly. This prospective observational research set out to evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of proximal femoral compression nailing (PFCN). PFCN fixation was used to treat 17 patients with intertrochanteric fractures, who were monitored at 6, 12, and 24 weeks following surgery. While fracture healing was assessed using the Radiographic Union Score for Hip (RUSH), functional recovery was assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Mean HHS increased from 49.41 ± 8.06 at 6 weeks to 67.53 ± 7.22 at 12 weeks and 82.82 ± 9.38 at 24 weeks. The final follow-up results showed that 13 patients (76.5%) had good to excellent functional outcomes. Mean RUSH increased from 10.29 ± 2.69 to 16.82 ± 2.83 and 26.00 ± 2.26 across the respective assessments. Both scores improved statistically significantly over time (p<0.001). By 24 weeks, all patients had achieved the radiographic union threshold that was defined by the study. There was only one reported implant failure. There was no significant correlation between age and sex and outcome scores. PFCN was significantly associated with favourable short-term recovery, though with regulated follow-up, no comparator and a small sample size, this limits the extent to which conclusions can be drawn. More comparative testing should be performed to prove durability.