Evaluation of proximal femoral nail-antirotation and cemented, bipolar hemiarthroplasty with calcar replacement in treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in terms of mortality and morbidity ratios

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the mortality and morbidity rates of patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures who were performed proximal femoral nail-antirotation (PFNA) or cemented, bipolar hemiarthroplasty with calcar replacement.
Patients and methods: A total of 127 patients (42 males, 85 females; mean age 79.2 years; range 55 to 98 years) who were treated due to proximal femoral fracture between January 2008 and January 2011 were compared retrospectively in terms of intraoperative mortality, total mortality, and monthly distribution of mortality rates. Of these 127 patients, 92 (28 males, 64 females; mean age 80.24 years; range 55 to 94 years) who were alive, who achieved at least a 12-month follow-up, and could walk and fulfil daily activities in preoperative period were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as PFNA group (n=34) and cemented, bipolar hemiarthroplasty with calcar replacement group (hemiarthroplasty group; n=58). Both groups were compared in terms of duration of operation, requirement for intraoperative blood transfusion, duration of hospital stay, functional outcomes, quality of life, complication and revision rates, and costs of operation.
Results: Patients in both groups had the same type of fracture. Bone mineral densitometry results and the type and risk of anesthesia of both groups were similar. No significant difference was detected between two groups in terms of intraoperative mortality, total mortality, and monthly distribution of mortality rates (p>0.05). Mean durations of operation were 54.85 minutes (range 40-110 minutes) and 74.66 minutes (range 55-120 minutes) in the PFNA and hemiarthroplasty groups, respectively. Mean durations of hospital stay were 5.91 days (range 5-12 days) and 9.41 days (range 6-16 days) in the PFNA and hemiarthroplasty groups, respectively. In the PFNA group, durations of operation and hospital stay were shorter and functional results were superior (p<0.05). Requirement for blood transfusion was lower in the PFNA group.
Conclusion: Both PFNA and cemented, bipolar hemiarthroplasty with calcar replacement are good techniques in treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Internal fixation may be more appropriate for elderly patients due to shorter duration of operation and lower risk of reoperation.