Intramedullary fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures: a comparison of two implant designs. A prospective randomised clinical trial.
We report the results of a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the Gamma 3 nail with the ACE trochanteric nail for the treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures. One hundred and twelve consecutive patients were enrolled in the study: 61 patients were treated with the Gamma 3 nail, 51 with the ACE trochanteric nail. The two groups were matched for age, fracture type and preoperative Merle d'Aubigné hip score. All patients were followed up clinically and radiographically on a regular basis between 6 weeks and one year postoperatively. Twenty-six patients (23%) died within the first postoperative year. Six patients were lost to follow-up. In each group, two patients were revised due to mechanical failure. Nonunion did not occur. The mean postoperative hip scores in the Gamma 3 and the ACE group were 14.19 and 14.12 respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.92). Walking ability was adequately restored in approximately 80% of the patients. Both implants appeared as safe and effective methods of treatment for intertrochanteric hip fractures.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. philipwinnockdegrave@hotmail.com
Philip
P
Winnock de Grave
Thomas
T
Tampere
Pieter
P
Byn
John
J
Van Overschelde
Christophe
C
Pattyn
René
R
Verdonk
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies