Comparison of union rate between internal fixation using intramedullary nail and interlocking plate in patients with an intertrochanteric fracture of femur in Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to compare the union rates between surgical treatments using intramedullary nail and interlocking plate in patients with intertrochanteric fractures at Sanprasitthiprasong Hospital. The 304 adult participants (mean age 73, 41-92 years) with intertrochanteric fractures classified according to AO/OTA classification 31A1.1, 31A2.1, 31A3.1, 31A1.2, 31A.2, 31A2.2, and 31A3.2 underwent surgery within 2 weeks of the incident. Participants received hip X-rays (both hip AP view and lateral cross table view) to assess radiographic union at 3 and 6 months. Union rates were calculated at 3 and 6 months. The results found that at the 3-month mark, the union rate for both plate and nail groups was 0. At the 6-month assessment, the plate group showed a union rate of 83.6% (127 individuals), while the nail group exhibited a rate of 80.9% (123 individuals). The difference in union rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = .051). Additionally, an analysis of hospital stay duration revealed no significant difference between the plate and nail groups (p = 0.245). The blood loss rate during surgery also showed no significant difference (p = 0.789). However, a significant difference was observed in the duration of surgery between the two groups (p < 0.001). In conclusions, there was no statistically significant difference in the union rates between patients who underwent surgery with a plate and those with a nail. Similarly, there was no significant difference in terms of blood loss rates and hospital stay duration. The significant difference observed was in the duration of the surgical procedure. This information could be valuable for making decisions regarding the choice of implant for surgical procedures in patients at Sappasitthiprasong Hospital in the future.