Distally-fixed non-modular monoblock fluted long-stem hemiarthroplasty versus proximal femoral nailing for elderly patients with an osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture: a retrospective comparative study.

Background: The treatment of Intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly osteoporotic patient is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of proximal femoral nailing (PFN) and a distally-fixed non-modular monoblock fluted long-stem hemiarthroplasty (HA) in elderly patients with an osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for an unstable intertrochanteric fracture. The patients were separated into PFN and HA groups. The demographic features of the 2 groups were compared. All patients were evaluated using the Singh index, ASA score, AO/OTA classification, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Parker and Palmer mobility score.

Results: The most common complications were nonunion (12.0%) and cut-out of the screw (10.7%) in the PFN group, and dislocation of the prosthesis (6.7%) and wound infection (5.7%) in the HA group. Overall, the 2-year mortality rate was 29.3%. Mortality, particularly within the first 3 months, was 2.4 times higher in the PFN Group than in the HA group (40% vs. 19.75%). Although the HHS was significantly higher in the first year for the HA group, no significant difference was seen between the 2 groups at 24 months.

Conclusions: Although PFN and HA have similar good outcomes at 2 years, HA allows earlier mobilisation and has fewer complications and a lower mortality rate.