Abstract: Background: The surgical management of subtrochanteric femur fractures includes a range of implant options, such as cephalomedullary interlocking nails, PFLCP (Proximal Femoral Locking Compression Plate), sliding hip screws, fixed-angle blade plates, and dynamic condylar screws. Our study aims to compare the functional outcomes between patients with subtrochanteric fractures who underwent treatment using either a 'Proximal femur nail' or a 'Proximal femur locking compression plate'.
Method: 30 patients with subtrochanteric fractures between May 2021 to Jan 2022 were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group 1 received Proximal Femur Locking Compression Plate (N=15) and Group 2 received Proximal Femur Nail (n=15). They were followed up for a minimum of 2 years, and functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score.
Results: Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, side involvement, and mode of injury. Type IB fractures were the most common according to the Russell Taylor fracture classification, followed by type IA and IIB fractures in both groups. The average follow-up duration was 12 months for group 1 and 10 months for group 2. Group 2 showed significant differences (P < 0.001) in operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure.
Conclusion: We conclude that, our study demonstrates that PFN presents various benefits over PFLCP, such as decreased blood loss, shorter surgery time, and reduced devascularization of fracture fragments. These advantages stem from the higher probability of achieving closed reduction with PFN, resulting in minimal disruption to the fracture hematoma.
