Effect of homeopathic bidirectional-traction reduction device and traction table in surgical treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

Objective To compare the outcomes of homeopathic bidirectional-traction reduction device and traction table in surgical treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods A retrospective case control study was made on 94 cases of femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated from July 2015 to December 2015. There were 26 males and 68 females, aged 60-75 years. According to the Evans classification, the fractures were type Ⅱ in 24 cases, type Ⅲ in 32 and type Ⅳ in 38. Fifty-seven cases sustained chronic diseases. According to the random number table, the subjects were assigned to receive homeopathic bidirectional-traction reduction (homeopathic reduction group, 48 cases) and traction table reduction (control group, 46 cases). All fractures were fixed with proximal femoral nail antirotation. Operation time, reduction time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss and rate of closed reduced cases were recorded. Fracture union and rotation of the affected femur to the tibia were detected after operation. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Harris score at the final follow-up. Results All fractures were reduced closely in homeopathic reduction group, while 15 fractures in control group were reduced via a small-incision anterior approach. Operation time, reduction time and fluoroscopy time in homeopathic reduction group were (62.9±12.1)min, (6.8±1.5)min and (11.3±5.6)s respectively, significantly less than the corresponding data in control group (all P<0.05). One month after operation, rotation of the affected femur to the tibia was (2.8±1.2)°in homeopathic reduction group, significantly less than that in control group [(11.5±4.7)°] ( P<0.05). Bone union was observed in all cases. At the final follow-up, Harris hip score was (92.6±7.6)points in homeopathic reduction group, significantly higher than that in control group [(87.3±6.5)points] (P<0.05). Conclusion For the elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures, homeopathic bidirectional-traction device has advantages of high rate of closed reduction, shorter operation time, less radiological exposure and satisfactory function recovery of the affected hip joint. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation, intramedullary; Traction; Homeopathic bidirectional-traction reduction device