Abstract:

Objective  To explore the effect of osteoporosis of old patients with intertrochanteric fracture on the internal fixation surgery. Methods  A total of 64 old patients with ipsilateral intertrochanteric fracture who underwent intramedullary fixation surgery were enrolled. The osteoporosis of hips of patients before surgery was obtained by measuring the bone density of healthy hip after surgery. There were 11 patients with normal bone mass, 21 patients with osteopenia, and 32 patients with osteoporosis. Then patients were divided into 3 groups accordingly. The hip joint function of patients after surgery was evaluated by Merle D’Aubigne and Salvati-Wilson hip joint function scales, and the time of being able to walk was recorded. Results  All 64 patients were followed up for 4-19 months. The healing time was (2.5±0.8) months and the time of being able to walk was (2.6±0.7) months. No cases of infection at fracture site, secondary fracture, nail penetration, or fixation breakage were found. According to the Merle D’Aubigne hip joint function scale, 9 cases were excellent, 48 cases were good, and 7 cases were passable. According to the Salvati-Wilson hip joint function scale, 8 cases were excellent, 49 cases were good, and 7 cases were passable. Scores of hip joint function of osteoporosis group were significantly lower than those of other two groups (P<0.05). The difference of the time of being able to walk among three groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion  The osteoporosis of old patients with intertrochanteric fracture influences the therapeutic effect of surgical treatment. For patients with osteoporosis, it is recommended to postpone the time of walk.

Key words: intertrochanteric fracture, osteoporosis, internal fixation