Abstract
AIM: To compare the functional and radiographic results of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and expandable proximal femoral nail (EPFN) in the treatment of extracapsular hip fractures. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of sixty hip fracture patients. Outcomes included mortality, residency, independence, mobility, function and radiographic results at a minimum of 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-nine EPFN patients demonstrated fewer cases of shaft medialization or femoral offset shortening compared to the 31 DHS patients. Mortality, complications and functional outcomes were similar. CONCLUSION: EPFN provides stable fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures and prevents neck shortening that is commonly observed after DHS fixation.