We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes related to use of the Targon(R) proximal femoral nail for repairing femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Between April 2004 and November 2005, the records of 56 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with the proximal femoral nail, were analyzed. The mean patient age was 75.2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 32 months. There were 26 stable fractures and 30 unstable fractures. Clinical assessment included parameters of operating time, transfusion rate, pain analysis by visual analogue scale (VAS), timing of maximum tolerable weight-bearing, functional evaluation by modified Koval index, and complications. Radiological assessment was directed toward adequacy of reduction, union time, and changes observed between immediate postoperative and final follow-up roentgenograms in various parameters.

The mean operating time was 37 minutes. Visual analogue scale at final follow-up was 2.8 on average, and 38 of 43 preoperative ambulators (88%) were able to bear weight as much as tolerable within 6 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative mobility recovered to pre-injury levels in 40 cases (71%). Radiologic evaluation showed adequate reduction in all cases. Mean union time was 8.9±2.5 weeks. The neck-shaft angle changed at final follow-up an average of 3.6±1.9(R). The femoral shaft displaced medially an average of 2.8±0.9 mm, and the lag screw slid an average of 4.7±0.6 mm. Complications such as cutting through, Z-effect, and femoral shaft fracture were not observed in any cases.

The Targon(R) proximal femoral nail showed excellent results in terms of early ambulation, clinical recovery, and radiologic parameters and may be a useful implant for treating femoral intertrochanteric fractures.