Surgical Treatment of Type 31-A1 Two-part Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Is Proximal Femoral Nail Superior to Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation?

Introduction The implant of choice for two-part intertrochanteric femur fracture is still under debate. This study was done to compare the operative parameters and functional outcome of two-part intertrochanteric fractures treated by dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femur nail (PFN). Methods Fifty-four operated cases of two-part intertrochanteric (AO 31A1) were analysed and divided into two groups based on implant used (PFN 30, DHS 24). Operative details, which include blood loss and duration of surgery, were obtained from hospital records. All patients were followed up for six months and assessed for radiographic and functional outcome. The functional outcome was calculated with modified Harris hip score and Parker mobility score. Results There was no significant difference in the operative parameters (p > 0.05) between DHS and PFN. The average blood loss for DHS and PFN was 202.5 ml and 198 ml respectively while operative duration was 136 min and 126 min, respectively. All patients had good functional outcome at the end of six months with average Harris hip score of 69.7 and Parker score of 8. No difference was found between the two surgeries in terms of functional outcome as well (p > 0.05). Conclusion There is no conclusive evidence to show that PFN is superior to DHS in the treatment of two-part intertrochanteric (31A1) fracture. Both DHS and PFN are equally effective in treatment of such fractures.