Comparison of traction table and supine position without traction in double axis femoral nailing of intertrochanteric fracture

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the traction table and supine position without traction table in double axis femoral nailing of intertrochanteric fractures in terms of reduction quality and complication rates. Material and Method: Sixty-three patients with a mean age of 68.54±16.42 (29-97) were retrospectively analyzed. 42 patients were operated without the traction table, 21 patients were operated with the traction table. Collodiaphyseal angles and Baumgartner reduction criteria were used for radiologic evaluation. The union time of the fractures, complications, and nonunion cases were assessed. Results: The restoration of collodiaphyseal angle was better in the group using the traction table, the reduction quality could not be restored well in the group without the traction table (p<0.05). The mean union time was calculated as 3.2±2.2 months in patients operated with the traction table while in patients who were operated without a traction table was calculated as 4.26±2.23 months (p>0.05). Cut-out and nonunion complications were more common in the group operated without traction table. Increasing difference of the collodiaphyseal angle was found to be correlated with the complication rates and union time. Conclusion: Better reduction was achieved in the patient group that operation performed using the traction table and the complication rates were low in this group. Operation with the traction table should be the first choice for intertrochanteric fractures. The supine position without traction table may be a preferable treatment method for intertrochanteric fractures when the traction table is not available.