Comparison of Clinical Outcomes With Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation Versus Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Elderly Intertrochanteric Fractures

Abstract Background: Although proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) are selected by most of the orthopaedic surgeons for elderly intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) patients, there is still no consensus on the superiority of PFNA and BPH for ITFs in the elderly. The study aims to compare the curative effects of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) on ITFs in the elderly. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, a total of 62 patients participated in the study: BHA (Group B, n=30), PFNA (Group P, n=32). The fractures were classified according to Evans-Jensen. Hospitalization time, operation time, bleeding loss, Harris scores and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The operation time was (125.76 ± 33.49) min and (94.38 ± 20.94) min in PFNA group and BHA group (P < 0.05); bleeding loss was (153.33 ± 59.96) mL and (335.31 ± 90.87) mL(P < 0.05); hospitalization time was (17.13 ± 2.92) days and (16.63 ± 3.64) days (P > 0.05); and the Harris scores were (73.20 ± 6.56) points and (68.91 ± 8.15) points (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both PFNA and BHA are safe and effective treatments for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Nonetheless, BHA can be considered for those with the poor bone condition and short life expectancy.