QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH FRACTURES OF THE UPPER PART OF THE FEMORAL BONE OPERATED WITH PLATE AND INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION

Abstract

Abstract. Pertrochanteric hip fractures are probably the most frequent type of fractures mainly in elderly patients, and were treated with different types of fixation. Intramedullary nail is a possible treatment of choice for pertrochanteric femoral fractures, treatment that was grown in its popularity over the past 2 decades, most likely because of the low risk for postoperative morbidity. It has been shown in studies that these types of patients experience postoperative fast recovery of maximal function. The purpose of this study is to correlate the quality of patients health after using the intramedullary nail, with its objective outcome measures. From decades, the implant of choice was the dynamic hip screw. Reports of high failure rates, especially in the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric fractures with significant loss of medial support and complications due to major surgical trauma, have led to the introduction of intramedullary devices. This implant combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and early postoperative weight bearing, leading to faster recovery of function. A possible mechanical advantage over external fixation devices is that the nail is closer to the axis of weight bearing through the femoral head, and therefore reduced support. Despite the theoretical advantages, several studies have reported high rates of complications associated with intramedullary nail use. It’s modifications has been significantly reduced the risk of postoperative femoral fracture.