Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures account for more than half of all hip fractures. Proximal femoral nailing is one of the most common methods used in the treatment of these fractures. However, there is no definitive consensus on the best positioning when performing Proximal femoral nailing in hip fractures, especially in geriatric patients. The objective of this study was to compare supine and lateral decubitus positioning approach in surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures with proximal femoral nailing method in geriatric patients.

METHODS

Patients aged over 65 years treated due to intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nailing method were included in the study. Patients’ position during the procedure, number of portable X-rays received, postoperative amount of blood loss, operational time, duration of postoperative follow-up, presence of postoperative bleeding, perioperative complications and postoperative late complications were also recorded and compared between the patients operated in supine position and those operated in lateral position.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant between both groups in terms of the mean operation time, and this duration was significantly lower in the lateral positioning group (p=0.01). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the amount of postoperative bleeding (p=0.088). There was a statistically significant difference between both groups and the mean number of X-rays taken during the procedures was significantly lower in the lateral positioning group (p=0.010).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Lateral positioning in surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nailing method seems to have several advantages over supine position including reduced operational time, blood loss and imaging exposure.