Background Intertrochanteric femur fractures require early mobilization and stable fixation. Commonest methods of fixation are gamma nail and proximal femur locked plate.
The aim of the work: to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the two fixations methods in one year follow-up
Subjects and methods: Two groups of fifty patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures were assigned to participate in this prospective study. 25 patients fixed with proximal femur locked plate for groub A and 25 patient fixed gamma nail for group B . Functional outcomes is determined by Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up . Recorded data such as Weight bearing time, mobility Score, union time and complication such as infection, nonunion malunion used to assess the final outcome
Results In a gamma nail, the time to full weight bearing is (4.16±0.37) months, in a PFLP group (5.64±0.49) months. Postoperative infection is seen in 36% of the PFLP group, compared to 8% in the GN group which is statistically significant. In PFLP 44% show varus malunion compared to 24% in gamma nail.
Conclusion: the Gamma Nail appears to have advantages in terms of mobility outcomes, early full weight bearing, less postoperative infection and less malunion.