Intramedullary nail with integrated cephalocervical screws in the intertrochanteric fractures treatment: Position of screws in fracture stability.

BACKGROUND: Stable fracture fixation is important in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur (ITF) fractures in the elderly population to prevent the loss of reduction, achieve early mobility, and restore independence. The aim of this study was to present the results of surgical treatment of stable and unstable ITF fractures using a trochanteric antegrade intramedullary nail with two cephalocervical screws in an integrated mechanism (Intertan®; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) and evaluate the relationship between the loss of reduction and screw position in the femoral neck in two planes.

METHODS: The authors investigated all varus misalignments and losses of reduction in 57 patients (22 males, 35 females) treated for ITF fractures with the Intertan® between 2010 and 2011. Two indices (screw alignment index in the frontal projection [SAIcoronal] and screw alignment index in the lateral projection [SAIsagittal]) were defined to evaluate the loss of reduction. Patients were also evaluated according to the Harris hip score and Barthel independence index.

RESULTS: The mean patient age was 77.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 21.7 months. All patients achieved complete union. We did not detect any varus collapse or loss of reduction. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean Barthel independence index was 90.7, and the mean Harris hip score was 83.7.

CONCLUSION: The use of a trochanteric antegrade intramedullary nail with two cephalocervical screws allows for linear intraoperative compression and rotational stability of the head/neck fragment, prevents reduction loss, and has a wide application area in the femoral head. Its inherent continuous stability permits early weight-bearing and mobilization. It is a safe and an efficient option for the treatment of ITF fractures.