Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation and total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture

Objectives: To investigate the effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods: Clinical data from 110 femoral intertrochanteric fracture patients treated at our hospital between January 2019 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of surgical intervention used. One group included patients (n= 59) who had undergone PFNA internal fixation and another group (n=51) included patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty. Perioperative situation, joint function progression, and complication incidence were assessed.

Results: Total hip arthroplasty group was associated with longer operation durations, longer incisions, and more intraoperative blood loss than PFNA group (P<0.05). Joint function and pain scores in the total hip arthroplasty group were superior than PFNA group (P<0.05). The Harris score of total hip arthroplasty group was significantly higher than that of PFNA group at three, six and 12 months after operation (P<0.05). The rate of complications in patients after total hip arthroplasty was lower than that of PFNA group (P<0.05) within 12 months of the surgery.

Conclusion: PFNA and total hip arthroplasty can both achieve good results for treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures. PFNA offers less trauma and shorter operations, while total hip arthroplasty offers advantages in terms of more rapid limb function improvements and shorter rehabilitation processes. The two kinds of surgery have advantages, and the clinical needs to have a careful look at various factors and choose the appropriate operation method.