Results of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in elderly Chinese patients

A prospective study is presented of 87 unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) with a follow-up of one year. Of the patients 76% were female. The average age was 75.3 years. The fracture was treated by closed reduction and intramedullary fixation. Pre-injury activity level was recovered in 77% of the patients. Fractures united in all patients. Mechanical failure and cut-out were not observed. A technical problem related to the mismatch of the proximal end of the nail was observed in 11 cases. Nine patients presented with thigh pain due to the redundant proximal end of the nail. The results of the PFNA were satisfactory in most elderly Chinese patients. However, the proximal end of the nail was not matched with the specific anatomy of some short elderly patients. Further modifications of the nail are necessary for the elderly Chinese population.