A STUDY ON COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL AND DHS IN UNSTABLE PROXIMAL FEMORAL FRACTURES

BACKGROUND To compare the functional outcome of patients of unstable proximal femoral fractures treated using either DHS or proximal femoral nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized, comparative and prospective study was conducted in orthopaedic department of Rama Medical College, Mandhana, Kanpur. 120 patients were included in the study with complete 18 months follow up. They were randomized equally in to two groups (60 patients in each, group 1 for proximal femoral nail and group 2 for dynamic hip screw). RESULTS Incidence of post-operative hip pain in proximal femoral nail group was slightly higher but was not significant. Early mobilization in the post-operative period, of patients, in both groups resulted in less systemic complications. Over long-term follow-up there was no significant difference in the functional outcome in Proximal Femoral Nail & DHS group (p < 0.001). Mean time of radiological union was similar in both methods of fixation (8.02 +/- 2.1) wks., in proximal femoral nail and 7.93 +/- 1.97 wks. in DHS group. CONCLUSION The functional outcome by Harris Hip Score at 6 weeks is poor in both groups & in 3 months, fair in both groups. In 6 months, 12 months and 18 months showed no significant difference between both the groups.