Comparison of proximal femur locking compression plate with dynamic hip screw in management of inter-trochanteric fracture

Abstract

Background: Intertrochanteric fractures are common in elderly population and pose a significant financial burden to the patients and family. Anatomically contoured proximal femur locking compression plate (PFLCP) is the latest addition to deal with these fractures, which creates an angular stable construct. It will theoretically lessen the risk of failure by screw cut-out and varus collapse, the common mode of DHS failure. Materials & Methods: This study was done to prospectively compare, the rate of union, complications, operative risks and functional outcomes in inter-trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic hip screw [DHS] and Proximal femur locking compression plate [PFLCP]. It also determined the effectiveness of PF-LCP in comparison to DHS in treatment of inter-trochanteric fractures. The data collected during the study of 30 cases of inter-trochanteric fractures, 15 cases were treated using PFLCP and other 15 group of cases were treated using DHS in the Department of Orthopaedics in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi from December 2012 to December 2014.Results: The functional outcome was measured with Harris Hip Score. In PFLCP group 7 (46.67%) cases had excellent result, 5 (33.33%) cases had good result, and 3 (20%) cases had fair result with no poor result. The mean score in PFLCP group was 86.4. In DHS group 7 (46.67%) cases had excellent result, 4 (26.67%) cases had good result, 2 (13.33%) cases had fair result and 2 (13.33%) cases had poor result. Conclusion: PFLCP is a good option for the management of inter-trochanteric fracture with high union rate and low rate of complication with high functional outcome and with a possibility that it can be done without C-Arm.