Surgical outcome of proximal femoral fractures using proximal femoral - locking compression plate

Abstract

Introduction: Proximal femoral fractures are complex fractures following devastating injuries in young and elderly population. Despite marked improvement in implant design, surgical technique and patient care these fractures are associated with high incidence of implant failure, refracture and varus collapse. Intramedullary nails are technically demanding and associated with high re-operation rates. The study was done to evaluate the outcome of proximal femoral fractures treated with proximal femur locking compression plate (PF-LCP). Methods: This study is conducted at Al Ameen Medical College and Hospital, Bijapur during the period Jan 2012 to March 2014.Pertrochanteric fractures especially unstable intertrochanteric & subtrochanteric fractures were included. Technical difficulties with the implant and operating time were quantified. Union of fracture site and implant related complications were followed up clinically and radiological. The Harris Hip Score was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Results: Thirty-two patients were available for final evaluation with average age of 55.4 years. The average operation time was 1 hour and 35 minutes with mean blood loss of 180ml. Union was achieved in all the cases with an average time of 17 weeks. Complications included one case of delayed union and three cases of varus collapse. Conclusion: PF-LCP achieves anatomical reduction and stable fixation with higher union rate and fewer complications.

Keywords

• Proximal femoral fracture
• PF-LCP
• Pertrochanteric
• fracture
• Subtrochanteric fracture