Gamma nailversus locking titanium plate fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly：hip function

Gao Jin-wei; Chang Jia-nan; Liang Wei-zhi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.31.014

Abstract：BACKGROUND:With the diversification of the choice of internal fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fracture, the fixation method for the same kind of fracture can be selected according to surgeon’s habit, and there is no unified standard. OBJECTIVE:To compare Gamma nail and proximal femoral locking plate fixation for repair of femoral intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: A total of 94 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were treated in the Shanxi Armed Police Corps Hospital from April 2009 to September 2012. They were divided into two groups according to fixation methods. Gamma nail group contained 46 cases. Proximal femoral locking plate group contained 48 cases. The two fixation methods were compared and analyzed from the folowing aspects: incision length, intraoperative bleeding volume, operation time, postoperative hip function recovery, loading time and complications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Incision length, intraoperative bleeding volume, loading time and complications were better in the Gamma nail group than in the proximal femoral locking plate group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in operation time was detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). The excelent and good rate of hip function was 96% (44/46) in the Gamma nail group and 92% (44/48) in the proximal femoral locking plate group at 1 year after treatment, and no significant difference was detectable between the two groups (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that Gamma nail and proximal femoral anatomic locking plate for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures can reach good recovery of hip function, but Gamma nail showed obvious advantages in incision length, intraoperative bleeding volume, loading time and complications.