Effects of intramedullary nailing fixation on quality of life and joint function in patients with femoral neck fractures.

OBJECTIVE

This study intended to investigate the changes in quality of life and joint function after intramedullary nailing fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures.

METHODS

A total of 38 patients with femoral neck fractures received surgical treatment from February 2016 to November 2018 were enrolled as study subjects, and were divided into the intramedullary nailing group (IIN group, n=13) and the plate fixation group (PO group, n=25). The efficacy, general surgical indices, postoperative complications, hip function scores and imaging results were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The response rate of the IIN group was 100.00%, significantly higher than 72.00% of the PO group (<0.05). The length of hospital stay, blood loss, and the length of the healing period in the IIN group were lower than those in the PO group (<0.05). The incidence of infection, deformity, loosening of internal fixation, and failed internal fixation in the PO group were significantly higher those than in the INN group (<0.05). At 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the INN group had higher Harris scores and SF-36 scores than the PO group (<0.05). The response rates of Harris scores of patients in the IIN group were significantly higher than those in the PO group at 12 months postoperatively (<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intramedullary nailing fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures has the advantages of a shorter time in bed and better functional recovery, lower incidence of complications and higher long-term joint function with better quality of life.