Short or long intramedullary devices for hip fracture? A systematic review of the evidence

Trochanteric hip fractures may be fixed with either sliding hip screws or intramedullary devices. Current UK guidance is that intramedullary fixation should be used for AO/OTA 31A3 fractures but does not stipulate length of nail. We present a systematic review comparing short and long nails for these injuries in older patients. Three studies were randomized, all with methodological concerns. None demonstrated a clinically significant difference in outcome. There is no good evidence to support long over short intramedullary devices in this scenario. Evidence is required to demonstrate whether the potentially increased surgical risk confers any benefits in this group.