We wanted to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of using compression hip screws with those of using Targon proximal femoral nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur.

From April 2001 to December 2005, we reviewed 93 patients who suffered with intertrochanteric fracture and they had a minimum follow up for 6 months (47 cases of Targon(R) proximal femoral nail (Group 1) and 46 cases of compression hip screw (Group 2))Both groups were compared with regard to the operation time, the number of transfusions, pain as analyzed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), the timing of maximum tolerable weight-bearing and the complications. Radiological assessment was directed toward the time of boney union, and we also assessed the changes observed between the immediate postoperative roentgenograms and final follow-up roentgenograms according to various parameters

Group 1 had significantly better clinical results for the mean operation time, the number of transfusions and the mean time to self ambulation. Radiologically, there were fewer complications such as a medially displaced femoral shaft, cut out of the lag screw and nonunion in Group1

Better clinical and radiological results can be achieved with using Targon proximal femoral nails compared with that of using compression hip screws for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur