Short summary

Patients with a pertrochanteric fracture are often treated operatively with either a long or a short intramedullary nail. We want to examine the incidence of reoperations and examine if the indications for reoperation are different between the two groups.

Rationale

For a pertrochanteric fracture both short and long nails can be used for treatment. The choice depends on the classification and displacement of the fracture. Routines are also different between orthopaedic department and some in departments only long nails are used. Some studies have shown a higher risk off a new fracture, if treated with a short nail. This is not shown in recent literature. The operation with a short nail is faster and the use for peroperative x-ray is less.

Description of the cohort

All adult patients admitted to Svendborg Sygehus, SVS Esbjerg, Kolding Sygehus, SHS Aabenraa sygehus and OUH with a pertrochanteric fracture treated operatively with an intramedullary nail in year 2012. In all patients Gamma 3 nail from Stryker are used, otherwise the patient is excluded.

Data and biological material

We receive data from Dansk Tværfaglig Register for Hoftenær Frakturer with information about, age, sex, operation date and reoperation. We examine x-rays to divide into the two groups and go through the patient charts if the patient were re-operated.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital of Southern Jutland

• Specialist Registrar Pernille Bovbjerg
• Staff Doctor Jesper Schönnemann

Department of Orthopaedics, Odense University Hospital

• Consultant Morten Schulz Larsen
• Consultant Carsten Fladmose