Open AccessZimmer Natural Nails in the Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Longitudinal Study
Author(s) -
C Yashavanth Kumar,
P Ashok Kumar,
P Rahul,
Harshad Shah,
Sandesh Patil,
Rahul V Gawalkar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2021/47772.14892
Subject(s) - medicine , intramedullary rod , surgery , intertrochanteric fracture , radiological weapon , fixation (population genetics) , internal fixation , femur , population , environmental health
Cephalomedullary nails are preferred over intramedullary nails for internal fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures; however, they are associated with complications as they do not match the anatomy of the proximal femur to a great extent. Aim: To investigate functional and radiological results of Zimmer natural nails in the management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal prospective study of 99 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures was carried out. All patients underwent closed reduction and internal fixation with 180 mm short Zimmer natural nails. Follow-up visits were scheduled for six weeks, three months, and six months for radiological healing and mobility measurements using RUSH and Parker scores, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and ANOVA. Results: Mean age of patients was 69.77±11.47 years with a male to female ratio of 1:1. A majority of patients had co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Average duration of surgery was 58.38 minutes with no statistically significant difference among the different categories of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Fixation of fractures with Zimmer natural nails increased Parker score and RUSH score consistently with each follow-up visit (p<0.05). There were no postoperative complications in 93.94% cases. Conclusion: This study emphasised good functional and radiological results of Zimmer natural nails in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.