International Journal of Integrative and Modern Medicine
Gamma Nail Fixation in Intertrochanteric Fractures: Pros and Cons
By Dr. Ammar A. Salih Al-Kubaisi, Dr. Mohanad Hamid Hasan and Eid Mosleh Raheel.
Abstract
Background
Intertrochanteric fractures are common proximal femoral fractures in elderly patients, and their incidence is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages and pitfalls of Gamma nail (GN) fixation in these fractures.
Methods
A prospective cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 50 patients (30 men and 20 women, aged 45–80 years) with stable or unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with a Gamma nail at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar, Iraq, between 1 July 2023 and 1 March 2024. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for at least three months.
Results
The 66–70-year age group was the most affected. More than half of the patients had no comorbidity. Simple trauma was the commonest mechanism of injury (76%), and the left side was affected more often than the right. Most operations lasted less than one hour, fewer than five gauzes were used in 70% of cases, and fewer than 50 fluoroscopic shots were needed in 72%. Weight bearing began within three weeks in 84% of patients. Cut-through of the lag screw and varus malunion each occurred in 2% of patients, all with comorbidities, and no avascular necrosis was observed.