Comparison between proximal femoral nail (PFN) and dynamic condylar screw (DCS) in the treatment of reverse oblique fractures

Abstract

Introduction: A reverse oblique fracture is an unstable fracture that really is not a true classic hip fracture, because of its complications. The fracture starts from medial proximal to lateral distal and extends to include the lateral cortex distally. In reverse oblique fractured patients the early surgical treatment is required to avoid major complications as mortality. Dynamic condylar screw (DCS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN) are currently the most commonly used implants for its fixation. Aim and Objective: Comparison between dynamic condylar screw (DCS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN) for the treatment of patients in reverse oblique fractures. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done on 45 patients with reverse oblique fractures admitted during the period of June 2020-May 2021 in the Orthopedics Department, Govt. Medical College Srinagar. Among 45 patients with reverse oblique fractures 25 patients were treated using proximal femoral nail (PFN), and the remaining 20 patients were treated using dynamic condylar screw (DCS). Results: The study comprised of 45 patients in age group of 20-75 years, including 26 males and 19 females with a mean age of 53.15. Mechanism of injury was road accidents, fall from height and fall from standing height. Among 45 patients 19 (42.22%) belonging to age group of 61-75 years. In elderly patients with presence of significant osteoporosis a simple fall accounted fractures. Conclusion: The patients treated using PFN showed improved functional outcome as compared to the patients treated using DCS.