Gamma and other cephalocondylic intramedullary nails versus extramedullary implants for extracapsular hip fractures

Cephalocondylic intramedullary nails which are inserted proximally to distally (cephalocondylic) have been used for the surgical treatment of extracapsular hip fractures.

To compare all cephalocondylic intramedullary nails with extramedullary implants for the surgical treatment of extracapsular hip fractures in adults. This is the third update of our original review which compared the Gamma nail with the sliding hip screw (SHS).

We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, MEDLINE, select orthopaedic journals and conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted trialists, colleagues and implant manufacturers. Date of the most recent search: August 2001.

All randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing cephalocondylic nails with extramedullary implants for extracapsular hip fractures.

Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Additional information was sought from all trialists. Wherever appropriate and possible, results were pooled.

The one trial of 230 patients comparing the Kuntscher-Y nail with the SHS, reported no major difference the outcome aside from a significantly increased number of patients with leg shortening, and a tendency for poorer recovery of mobility in the Kuntscher-Y nail group. Seventeen trials comparing the Gamma nail with the SHS were included, with data available for 2472 patients. The Gamma nail was associated with an increased risk of operative and later fracture of the femur and an increased re-operation rate. There were no major differences in the incidence of wound infection, mortality or medical complications between implants. Data were inadequate to determine if there were differences for other outcomes. Five trials involving 603 patients compared the intramedullary hip screw (IMHS) with the SHS. Fracture fixation complications were more common in the IMHS group: all cases of operative and later fracture of the femur occurred in this group. Results for post-operative complications, mortality and functional outcomes were similar in the two groups. Two under-reported trials tested the proximal femoral nail (PFN). The results of one study of 206 patients with a trochanteric fracture showed no advantages for the PFN compared with the SHS. The other study, involving 39 patients, comparing the PFN with the dynamic condylar plate for treating more distal and uncommon trochanteric fractures gave better intra-operative and fracture fixation results for the PFN. One trial of 60 patients reported favourable preliminary results for an experimental mini-invasive static intramedullary nail compared with the SHS.

Further evidence is required before any conclusions can be drawn on the relative merits of either the Kuntscher-Y nail or the mini-invasive static intramedullary nail in comparison with the SHS. Given the lower complication rate of the SHS in comparison with intramedullary nails, it appears that for trochanteric fractures the SHS is superior. Further studies will be required to determine if different types of intramedullary nail produce the same results, or if intramedullary nails have advantages for selected fracture types, for example, reversed fracture lines and subtrochanteric fractures. From the evidence available, IMHS appears to have the same problems as the Gamma nail, but other theoretical advantages of the IHMS cannot be ruled out.