Subtrochanteric femoral fractures: A case series of 194 patients treated with long and short intramedullary nails

Background: IM nails are the gold standard of subtrochanteric fractures management. Indications to use a short rather than a long nail remain unclear. Operative complications of subtrochanteric fractures reach up to 25%. Objective: Retrospectively compare clinical and radiographic outcome of subtrochanteric fractures treated by long and short intramedullary nailing, analysing rates of complications. Methods: 390 patients were chosen from the archives. 194 patients were available: 70 treated with a short intramedullary nail (Group A), while 124 with long one (Group B). Radiographic evaluation at 6 and 12 months assess failure of the osteosynthesis. Clinical outcomes were the return to normal activities prior trauma and VAS scale. Group A mean age was 81.37 years, group B mean age was 78.9 years (29-99, SD: 15.38). Results: Radiografic Healing was found in 66 patients (94.28%) in group A, while in 116 patients (94.54%) in group B. Pseudarthrosis was found in 4 cases (5.71%) in group A, while in 8 cases (6.45%) in group B. Implant failure occurred in 5 cases: one required revision of fixation, while 4 require hip replacement. 59 patients of group A (84.29%) returned to social life, while 102 patients (81.94%) in group B. Group A mean VAS was 1.55, Group B mean VAS was 1.49. Conclusion: Comparison of the two group showed no differences. Complication percentages are in line with literature. Optimal reduction and fixation allow high percentage of healing and return to social life.