Sliding hip screw versus the Targon PFT nail for trochanteric hip fractures: a randomised trial of 400 patients

400 patients with a trochanteric fracture were randomized to fixation with either a newer-generation intramedullary nail (Targon PFT) or a sliding hip screw. Patients were assessed for mobility, pain, and independence at 8 weeks, 3, 6, and 9 months, and 1 year following surgery. Incidences of complications and reoperations were also documented. Results demonstrated small but statistically significant differences in mobility scores in favour of the IMN group at 8 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months; at 1 year, differences were not statistically significant for mobility scores between groups. All other outcomes demonstrated similarity between groups over 1 year follow-up.