Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of omitting a distal locking screw in intramedullary nailing of stable intertrochanteric femur fractures on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Ninety-six patients over 65 years old with stable pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1 and A2) treated with short/intermediate proximal femoral nails (PFNA-II) were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (distal locked) and Group 2 (distal unlocked). Comparative analyses were conducted on operative time, total fluoroscopy time, blood loss, incision length, complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly shorter in Group 2 (35.73 ± 7.62 minutes) compared to Group 1 (47.40 ± 9.96 minutes) (P < 0.001). Fluoroscopy time was also shorter in Group 2 (45.92 ± 6.08 seconds) compared to Group 1 (54.02 ± 5.94 seconds) (P < 0.001). Incision length was reduced in Group 2 (9.21 ± 1.41 centimeters) compared to Group 1 (12.96 ± 1.68 centimeters) (P < 0.001). Blood loss was lower in Group 2 (187.50 ± 32.00 milliliters) than in Group 1 (208.65 ± 49.12 milliliters) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in fracture union time, hospital stay, fracture union weeks, or postoperative blood transfusion rates. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal femoral nailing without distal locking offers shorter operative times, reduced fluoroscopy exposure, and lower blood loss and complications, making it a viable option for treating stable intertrochanteric fractures.