COMPARATIVE OUTCOMES OF DHS VERSUS PFNA II SURGERY FOR INTERTROCHANTERIC OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation II (PFNA II) surgical techniques in athletes with intertrochanteric osteoporotic fractures. Method: Between January 2020 and December 2021, 82 athletes suffering from intertrochanteric osteoporotic femur fractures were treated at our institution. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: 41 in the DHS control group and 41 in the PFNA II observation group. We compared the incidence of complications, Harris scores for joint function, perioperative indicators, serum inflammatory factors, bone regeneration markers, fracture healing metrics, and bone mineral density improvements. Results: The observation group demonstrated shorter hospital stays and fracture healing times compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with significantly less intraoperative blood loss. Post-surgery, the observation group showed elevated levels of VEGF, IGF-1, BMP-2, TGF-1, RANKL, and OPG, indicating enhanced bone regeneration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this group exhibited lower postoperative CRP and IL-6 levels, higher postoperative bone densities at lumbar and hip sites, and fewer complications (4.88%). Harris scores and functional recovery rates at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-surgery were superior in the observation group (95.12%), indicating a more effective and safer approach for athletes with these injuries. Conclusion: PFNA II surgery is a more effective and safer alternative than DHS for treating intertrochanteric osteoporotic fractures in athletes. It promotes faster and more robust bone regeneration, enhances fracture healing, improves bone mineral density, and accelerates the recovery of hip function, which is crucial for athletes aiming to return to peak performance levels promptly.