Comparison between proximal femoral nail and dynamic hip screw in non-displaced or minimally displaced intertrochanteric fractures of the femur: a prospective study

Background. Proximal femoral nail (PFN) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) are widely used for the management of intertrochanteric femur fractures (ITFs). Proximal femoral nailing offers biomechanical advantages but may cause iatrogenic displacement during the insertion. The aim of the study — to compare the degree of fracture displacement, specifically femoral shaft lateralization and neck-shaft angle changes, following dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nail fixation in minimally displaced or non-displaced intertrochanteric femur fractures. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 40 patients with AO 31A1 ITFs from January to June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: DHS (n = 20); PFN (n = 20). Radiological outcomes including postoperative neck-shaft angle and femoral shaft lateralization were measured on both injured and non-injured sides. Results. In the PFN group, the mean postoperative neck-shaft angle (131.30±4.54°) showed a varus change compared to the intact side (134.70±3.77°), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.109). In the DHS group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.827). Femoral shaft lateralization on the injured side was significantly higher in the PFN group (56.60±7.07 mm) than in the DHS group (49.50 ± 6.59 mm; p = 0.002). No significant difference was found on the non-injured side (p = 0.261). Conclusion. Both PFN and DHS yield comparable neck-shaft angle outcomes in minimally displaced ITFs. However, PFN is associated with greater lateralization of the femoral shaft, which may reflect iatrogenic displacement during fixation.