Abstract

Background: Intertrochanteric fracture is a common injury in seniors. Senior patients taking surgical interventions suffer from prolonged bed-rest complications such as pressure ulcer, thromboembolism, or pneumonia, which may lead to high mortality rate. A treatment using external fixators is, therefore, recommendable, and has shown satisfactory outcomes such as early weight-bearing, short hospitalization time and quick union time. Fracture treatments in Vietnam mainly use metal and imported fixation, raising concerns of compatibility and financial issues from patients. Objective: This study investigated the in vivo effectiveness in treating an intertrochanteric fracture in Vietnamese geriatric patients by a novel prototype carbon composite external fixator (whose shaft screws near the fracture site) and an available stainless steel external fixator (shaft screw far from the fracture site) already used in Vietnam. Methods: Fifty-five patients treated with the metal fixator and 54 patients treated with the composite fixator – all aged 60 – 99 – were monitored for treatment results until one year after surgery. Results: The results demonstrated the external fixator’s effectiveness, especially the composite prototype, which minimized blood loss, shortened operation time, reduced pain, and provided stable fixation that promoted proper bone union. Conclusion: The novel composite fixator prototype in this study was also superior to the current metal fixator in many aspects. Proper application of this method could prove its effectiveness in the surgical cure for fracture in older people. It should be a viable choice for intertrochanteric fracture treatment for senile people in Vietnam.

Key words: Intertrochanteric fracture, geriatric patients, carbon composite, external fixator, metal fixator.