Intramedullary hip screw versus compression hip screw for the treatment of trochanteric fractures

Abstract EN

The intramedullary hip screw has been introduced recently with design features that may influence the clinical results and complication rates of the trochanteric fracture.

Sixty-four patients suffering from trochanteric fractures were included in this study.

There were 37 males and 27 females.

They were divided into two groups of 32 patients each.

Group I was treated by the intramedullary hip screw and group II was treated by the compression hip screw.

The patients were considered in two subgroups as regards fracture stability as stable and unstable fractures.

The results of the two groups were comparable as regards operative time, quality of reduction, position of the implant within the femoral head, hospital stay, and time to union.

The intramedullary hip screw required shorter incision, and had less blood loss with less limb length discrepancy.

On the other hand, the intramedullary hip screw required more radiological exposure and had a prolonged learning curve.

The intramedullary hip screw offers almost a percutaneous fixation of the trochanteric fractures.

It cannot be recommended for the routine treatment of trochanteric fractures but it seems to be a promising alternative to the compression hip screw especially in the unstable and comminuted fractures.