Effectiveness of Video-Based Telemedicine Consultations for Patients with Intertrochanteric Fractures Treated with Intramedullary Nailing: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • ยุทธนา แดงติ๊บ Somdejprasangkarach 17th Hospital

Keywords:

proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA), telemedicine

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of follow-up in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with intramedullary fixation proximal femoral nail antirotation: PFNA between follow-up via telemedicine using video calls and standard follow-up in the orthopedic clinic.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 patients, who were allocated into a telemedicine group (n = 15) and a conventional follow-up group (n = 15). Patients in both groups were followed up at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively. The telemedicine group received follow-ups via video calls at Months 1 and 2, while the control group received follow-ups at the orthopedic clinic according to standard practice.The outcomes assessed included pain score (VAS), Barthel Activities of Daily Living (Barthel ADL), Harris Hip Score (HHS), radiographic assessment, satisfaction, and postoperative complications. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with adjustment for differences in age and dyslipidemia.

Results: The mean age in the control group was significantly higher than in the telemedicine group (83.7 ± 6.7 vs. 76.1 ± 9.5 years; p = .01). After adjustment for baseline differences, no statistically significant overall differences were observed between groups in VAS, Barthel ADL, or HHS (p > .05). All three outcome measures improved significantly over time (p < .01). A significant group-by-time interaction was observed at Month 3 for Barthel ADL (p = .01) and HHS (p = .02), while VAS showed no significant interaction. Patient satisfaction did not differ significantly between groups (p = .21), whereas physician satisfaction was significantly lower in the telemedicine group (p = .01). No postoperative complications were observed in either group during the 3-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: Follow-ups of patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with intramedullary fixation via telemedicine provided clinical outcomes within the first 3 months that were not significantly different from standard follow-ups after adjustment for baseline factors. Outcomes in both groups improved over the follow-up period.

References

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Published

2026-07-07

How to Cite

1.
แดงติ๊บ ย. Effectiveness of Video-Based Telemedicine Consultations for Patients with Intertrochanteric Fractures Treated with Intramedullary Nailing: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Reg 4-5 Med J [internet]. 2026 Jul. 7 [cited 2026 Aug. 31];45(2):261-77. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/reg45/article/view/280459