A retrospective analysis of the InterTan nail and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis: a minimum follow-up of 3 years

BACKGROUND: The study aims to compare the long-term functional and radiographic outcomes of two devices for the treatment of primary intertrochanteric fractures (IFs, OTA 3.1A2.1–A2.3) in elderly patients with osteoporosis. METHODS: Between December 2010 and August 2014, 332 elderly osteoporosis patients with IFs (OTA 3.1A2.1–A2.3) fixed by an InterTAN nail (IT) or a proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) device were retrospectively evaluated. Follow-up occurred 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and every year thereafter. Mortality was recorded. Patient-related functional and radiographic outcomes were compared. The primary endpoint was the long-term radiographic outcomes. The secondary endpoint was the long-term functional outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 283 patients (283 hips) with osteoporosis (IT, n = 144; PFNA, n = 139) were evaluated with a mean follow-up period of 38.8 months (range, 36–43 months). No between-group significant differences were noted in the patient demographics, operation variables, and postoperative Harris Hip Score. More radiographic complications were noted in terms of screw cut-out, femoral shaft fracture distal or around the tip of the main nail, and varus collapse of the femoral head in the PFNA group compared with that in the IT group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For osteoporotic IFs (OTA 3.1A2.1–A2.3) in elderly patients, the use of IT aids in decreasing radiographic complications, but the between-group functional outcomes showed no significant difference.