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Early Postoperative Effects of Mechanical Versus Manual Femoral Canal Opening During Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation Fixation of Pertrochanteric Femoral Fractures

Roguljic L, Roguljic VS, Pivalica B, Furlan M, Banic I, Vidovic M, Supe-Domic D, Kovacic V

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 2026

60 participants

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The method of femoral canal opening during intramedullary fixation may influence the biological response to surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the early biological responses associated with mechanical canal opening and manual canal opening during Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) fixation in patients with pertrochanteric femoral fractures, with a particular focus on inflammation, coagulation, organ dysfunction, and bone metabolism. Materials and Methods: This single-centre prospective randomised study consisted of 60 participants (50 women) with a mean age of 80.33 ± 11.13 years, who were randomly assigned to either manual femoral canal opening (n = 30) or mechanical canal opening (n = 30). Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively during a 72 h follow-up period. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT07648719; registration date: 15 June 2026; study start: 1 March 2025). Results: Across all participants, surgery was associated with a significant decrease in haemoglobin levels, calcium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, while fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, CRP (C-reactive protein), and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) significantly increased postoperatively. Patients in the mechanical canal opening group demonstrated significantly higher postoperative levels of leukocytes (p = 0.002), CRP (p = 0.001), NT-proBNP (p = 0.002), fibrinogen (p = 0.026),…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.

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