Issue: March 2017
February 02, 2017
2 min read
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Both InterTAN, sliding hip screws seen as effective for treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Issue: March 2017
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Although most patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures can be effectively treated with either sliding hip screws or use of the InterTAN intermedullary device, the InterTAN device provided improved outcomes for active, functional patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures, according to results.

Perspective from J. Tracy Watson, MD

Researchers randomly assigned 249 patients aged 55 years or older with intertrochanteric hip fractures to receive treatment with either sliding hip screws or the InterTAN intramedullary device (Smith & Nephew). Researchers used the functional independence measure and the timed up-and-go test to measure function and motor performance. Other measures included femoral shortening, complications and mortality.

David Sanders

Results showed both groups had similar demographics, comorbidities, preinjury function independence measures and timed up-and-go scores. Researchers noted limb shortening greater than 2 cm in 42.9% of patients who received sliding hip screws vs. 17.2% of patients who received an InterTAN intermedullary device. In a subgroup of patients with the ability to walk 150 meters independently preinjury and had an OA/OTA 31A-2 fracture, patients who had sliding hip screws demonstrated greater shortening and poorer function independence measure and timed up-and-go scores, according to results. – by Casey Tingle

 

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.