Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Intertrochanteric femur fractures are common in the elderly and are typically managed with surgical fixation using dynamic hip screws (DHS). While the conventional muscle‐reflection approach is widely used, the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach has emerged as a less traumatic alternative. This study aims to compare the outcomes of these two surgical approaches in terms of operative time, blood loss, analgesic use and hospital stay. This prospective comparative study included patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with DHS using either a minimally invasive surgical approach (MIS group) or a conventional muscle‐reflection approach (conventional group). The primary outcomes assessed were intra‐operative time, intra‐operative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, duration of post‐operative analgesic intake and length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences between the two groups. The MIS group had significantly shorter intra‐operative time (mean 32 minutes) compared to the conventional group (mean 58 minutes) (p=0.03). Intra‐operative blood loss was also significantly lower in the MIS group (mean 75mL) compared to the conventional group (mean 220mL). Three patients in the conventional group required intra‐operative blood transfusions, while none in the MIS group did. Although the MIS group showed shorter durations of analgesic use and hospital stay, these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.08). The minimally invasive surgical approach for DHS fixation in intertrochanteric femur fractures significantly reduces operative time and blood loss compared to the conventional muscle‐reflection approach. While trends in post‐operative recovery were favorable for the MIS group, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings. The MIS approach should be considered as a viable alternative to conventional surgery, particularly in elderly patients.
How to cite this article:
Ashutosh Kapoor and Astha Mehrotra. Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Conventional Surgical Approaches for Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation in Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.235.239
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.235.239