Sarcouncil Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background and Purpose: Fractures of the femur were a serious problem in young adults, typically resulting from high-energy trauma, where a variety of surgical treatments as it was including the use of anatomical plates and intramedullary nails, exist, each with potential influences on outcome, recovery, and quality of life. The aim of this study is to compare the functional and clinical results of intramedullary nailing and anatomical plating in patients who suffering subtrochanteric femoral fractures. Methods: 100 patients who aged among 20 – 35 years with a diagnosis of subtrochanteric femur fractures were involved of all cases collected from two hospitals (alnauman and alrramadi teaching) in this cross-sectional study. Patients were separated into two groups: 50 patients were operated on with anatomical plates, and 50 patients were operated on with nails. Which all data were gathered through a 12-month follow-up period and included demographic characteristics, surgical results, postoperative complications, pain intensity, functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality of life through the SF-36 Questionnaire. Results: Demographic characteristics were comparable between groups for age, sex, BMI, and smoking status. Operative time was longer for the plate group (120 ± 45) min than the nail group (100 ± 15) min, with increased blood loss for the plate group (200 ± 45 mL). Postoperative complications were a 7% infection rate for the plate group and 3% for the nail group. Functional assessment demonstrated an increased range of motion and increased patient satisfaction in the nail group (70% very satisfied vs 60% plate group). Average time to union was shorter in the plate group (4.8 ± 1.0 months vs 5.5 ± 1.2 months). Conclusion: Nailing also seems to yield better functional outcomes and sooner return to recovery in young adults with subtrochanteric fractures of the femur than fixation with anatomical plates. Being less complicated and with greater levels of patient satisfaction, intramedullary nailing could be the treatment of choice among this age group of patients.