European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background and objectives: Subtrochanteric area is described as the region from the lesser trochanter to 5cm distal of proximal femur. It is one of the most challenging fractures for the orthopaedic surgeons. The cause of frequent comminution is that these fractures occur at the junction of trabecular bone and cortical bone where the mechanical stress is highest. Conservative management of subtrochanteric femur fractures poses difficulties in obtaining and maintaining a reduction, making operative management the preferred treatment. This study is aimed to prospectively evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of subtrochanteric fractures treated with Long PFN.
Material & Methods: 30 patients above the age of 18 years with subtrochanteric fractures were included in the study. All patients were followed up post-operatively at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and every 6 weeks thereafter till fracture union was noted then at 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. Functional evaluation of the patient was done on each follow up.
Results: A total of 30 patients (22 males and 8 females) were evaluated which with age ranging from 18 years to 80 years with most patients in between 60-80 years; 53.33% of the cases were road traffic accidents, 30% due to fall from height and 16.66% due to trivial fall with right side being more common side affected. In our study most of the cases belong to Seinsheimer type IIIA (30%) Mean duration of hospital stay was 11 days. Out of 30 cases, excellent results were seen in 60% of cases in our study.
Conclusion: Long PFN is an effective, efficient and biomechanically stable device for the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures with a high rate of bony union and good functional outcome.