A Barbed Proximal Femoral Nailing System for Isolated Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Operative Outcomes

Intertrochanteric femur fractures are associated with high morbidity/mortality, necessitating strategies to limit time under anesthesia, blood loss, and additional trauma while achieving maximal fixation in osteopenic bone. The Orthopedic Designs North America, Inc. Talon DistalFix Femoral Nail System uses deployable barbs to maximize axial and rotational control without distal interlock screws. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative features and postoperative outcomes in patients treated with the DistalFix Femoral Nailing System for isolated intertrochanteric femur fractures. Seventy-one consecutive patients underwent intramedullary fixation for isolated intertrochanteric fractures with the DistalFix system between January 2019–July 2020. Median operative time was 35 (33 – 40) minutes. Median estimated blood loss was 125 (75 – 150) cc. Median fluoroscopy time was 2.4 (2.2 – 2.9) minutes and dosage was 27.1 (18.0 – 35.2) mGy. Union occurred in 98% of patients; none experienced implant cutout, and 81.1% returned to previous mobility. The DistalFix system achieves a high rate of union and return to function while limiting operative risk factors. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(1):036–040, 2023)

Key words: hip fracture, intertrochanteric fracture, intramedullary nail, osteoporosis, cost containment, safety