Non-union of femoral neck fractures with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: treatment with combined free vascularized fibular grafting and subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy

Femoral neck fractures, frequently complicated by non-union and femoral head osteonecrosis,present a difficult clinical situation, especially when young patients are concerned.Existing treatment options are valgus osteotomy to address the biomechanical factors or bone grafting to address the biologic factor. The authors describe the operative technique and results of combined subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and free vascularized fibular grafting in management of five young patients with both non-union and avascular necrosis.     

Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for neglected femoral neck fractures in young adults

Twenty cases of neglected (more than 1 month old) displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults were treated with a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. A fracture union rate of 85% (17 cases) was achieved. Two of the healed cases developed avascular necrosis. After 30 months 15 patients (75%) had achieved good to excellent results. We believe that intertrochanteric osteotomy provides good alternative management for neglected femoral neck fractures.     

Results of repositioning osteotomies in delayed healing or pseudarthrosis of the proximal femur]

The results after valgus osteotomy for delayed or nonunion in 20 patients with femoral neck fractures (9 Pauwels type II and 11 type III) and 10 intertrochanteric fractures are reported. The mean age of the patients at presentation with delayed/nonunion of femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric fractures was 37.5 and 60 years, respectively. The average interval between injury and valgus osteotomy in the first and second group was 8 and 13 months, respectively. The average size of the preoperatively determined and intraoperatively removed wedge was 30 degrees in both groups. The results of the two fracture groups were analyzed separately. All but one osteotomy in a patient with a nonunion of a femoral neck fracture consolidated without complications. This case developed a nonunion at the osteotomy and required additional surgery consisting of bone graft and refixation to heal. Of the femoral neck delayed/nonunion cases, 15 (75%) healed immediately following valgus osteotomy. In the intertrochanteric delayed/nonunion patients, valgus osteotomy led directly to bone consolidation in 6 (60%). In each fracture group 3 additional cases healed following reoperation for a total consolidation rate of 90%. In the femoral neck group one union was complicated by infection, resulting in ankylosis of the hip and 3.5 years later another patient with a revascularized femoral head required total hip arthroplasty because of a large, loose osteochondral fragment. In two cases union of the former femoral neck fracture could not be achieved. Partial avascular necrosis determined the course and total hip arthroplasty was required for both cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head after intertrochanteric fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors that may influence the appearance of avascular necrosis after intertrochanteric fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve patients between the ages of fifty-nine and eighty-eight who had developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head after treatment of an intertrochanteric femur fracture at our institution between 1976 and 1995. Fractures were classified according to Kyle and Gustilo. There were three Type I, two Type II, six Type III, and one Type IV fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk factors for osteonecrosis, fracture pattern, surgical influence, location of the nail within the femoral head, and valgus malalignment. RESULTS: All fractures healed. Five patients had risk factors for osteonecrosis. Intertrochanteric fractures with a proximal fracture line appeared in five patients. The nail tip was situated in every quadrant of the femoral head. Valgus malalignment occurred in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is an uncommon complication after intertrochanteric fractures. The pathogenesis is unknown, but in patients developing pain who have had intertrochanteric fractures, osteonecrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in cases with risk factors for osteonecrosis or a proximal intertrochanteric fracture line that perhaps disrupts the vascular anastomotic ring at the base of the femoral neck.     

Evaluation of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy in neglected fracture neck femur in young adults

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in young adults have always presented a difficult problem with high rates of non-union and avascular necrosis. At our centre we have been using the traditional Pauwels intertrochanteric osteotomy for neglected un-united femoral neck fractures in young adults. We have made certain modifications in this procedure to suit our resources and so we evaluated the outcome of this procedure at our institute.MethodsThe study included fifty consecutive cases of neglected femoral neck fractures treated at our centre between February 1996 and October 2012. Patients in whom internal fixation had failed were excluded. The average age of the patients was 37 years (range: 17–55 years). Eleven of the patients were female & Thirty-nine were male. Fifteen patients belonged to Pauwels grade 1, Twenty-six patients belonged to grade 2, and nine belonged to grade 3. The interval between the injury and operation ranged from 1 to 12months (average: 4.3 months). The cases were operated on a normal table using a Watson Jones Approach. The fracture ends were freshened and fixed using a 6.5mm screw followed by a valgus osteotomy which was fixed by a double angle (120 degree) blade plate.ResultsA fracture union rate of 90% (45 cases) was achieved. Two of the healed cases developed avascular necrosis. Results were graded using Askin and Bryan's criteria. Overall, an excellent result was seen in 35 patients, good in 5, fair in 5 and poor in 5. Of the five patients having poor result (3 non-union, 1 implant breakage, 1 implant cut out), two refused revision surgery. In remaining three, one underwent total hip arthroplasty and in two revision osteotomy was performed.ConclusionWe believe that intertrochanteric osteotomy provides a good outcome for neglected femoral neck fractures. Performing the procedure on a routine table, with Watson Jones approach and fixing with double angle blade plate is a good option.     

Intertrochanteric osteotomy for non-union of the femoral neck

We report a series of 50 patients under 70 years of age who had an ununited femoral neck fracture treated by a Pauwels abduction osteotomy. At an average follow-up of 7.1 years, seven patients had required prosthetic replacement and 37 others were reviewed in detail. In these patients the Harris hip score averaged 91. Twenty-two hips showed radiographic evidence of avascular femoral head necrosis, but only three of these had been replaced. For active patients with non-union of a femoral neck fracture, Pauwels osteotomy provides a high proportion of good results even in the presence of avascular necrosis of the head, providing there has been no collapse. If osteotomy fails, prosthetic replacement is still possible.     

Bilateral displaced femoral neck stress fractures treated with valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy: A case report and two-year follow-up

Bilateral femoral neck stress fractures are uncommon injuries that are successfully treated with surgical treatment; however, there is a high complication rate, as well as the challenging issue of the joint preserving procedure. This study reports the rare case of simultaneous valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy with a satisfactory outcome. A twenty-year-old male military recruit, with no history of previous hip pain or significant injury, presented with gradually progressive bilateral hip pain for three months after recruitment into military training. He was unable bear weight on both hips for one day prior to hospital without risk of sudden injury. A preoperative radiograph revealed displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated no evidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral heads. A bilateral valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy procedure was simultaneously and successfully performed on both hips. Six months after surgery, the patient was able to walk independently without any complications, and radiographic unions were presented. The two-year follow up radiographs showed no evidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral heads. The valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy procedure is an effective joint preserving procedure in femoral neck stress fractures, including the uncommon bilateral cases.     

Posterior rotational intertrochanteric osteotomy of the femur in children and adolescents. Use in residual deformity of the femoral head after treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip

We describe a method of intertrochanteric osteotomy with posterior rotation of the femoral head and neck. We analysed 45 hips in 44 children and adolescents aged from six to 18 years with residual dysplasia after conservative (35) and operative (10) treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip complicated by avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In ten, femoral osteotomy was combined with a variety of pelvic procedures. Thirty-seven hips (36 patients) were available for follow-up at a mean of 4 years 5 months (2 to 15 years). Excellent results were obtained in nine, good in 17, fair in seven and poor in four.     

Osteosynthesis and primary valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy in displaced intracapsular fracture neck of femur with osteoporosis in adults

Fifty-three adults sustaining intracapsular femoral neck fractures (subcapital 38 and transcervical 15) with osteoporosis were treated primarily by osteosynthesis with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. Final evaluation was done in 50 patients (1 patient died and 2 lost to follow up, were not considered). Union was achieved in 47 (94%) patients in an average period of 12.2 weeks (range 10-18 weeks) with 100% union at osteotomy site. An axial collapse between 2 and 14 mm was observed in 74% of patients at the fracture site. Average neck shaft angle achieved was 141 degrees . Retroversion of the femoral head was seen in 28% of patients postoperatively, but none demonstrated a further posterior tilt of proximal femoral fragment, thus preventing implant cut through. One of the four patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head exhibited late segmental collapse between 98 and 171 weeks. Final results were excellent to good in 76% of patients (average hip score 92), fair in 18% (average Harris hip score 73) and poor in 6% (average Harris hip score 30). Deep infection in 2%, superficial infection in 4%, implant penetration into the joint in 4%, limb length discrepancy in 6% and external rotation in 68% were other complications. Primary osteosynthesis with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy is a dependable procedure to provide stable fixation in fresh fractures of the neck of femur with osteoporosis. The potential benefit of retaining a viable biologic joint justifies the usefulness of this procedure.     

Gunshot injury of the proximal femoral physis

A 12-year-old boy sustained a gunshot injury to the proximal femur. The bullet hole passed through the femoral neck very close to the proximal femoral physis (Ogden type 8 physeal injury) without neurovascular injury. The boy was treated conservatively with antibiotics and bedrest. Nine months later, avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Ratliff type 2) and limb shortening of 2 cm had developed. For this reason, a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed 1 year after the injury. However, only partial revascularization of a necrotic femoral head segment occurred. For the residual necrotic segment in the weight-bearing area and progressive shortening of the femur 3.5 years after injury, a valgus-extension intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed and remodelling of the necrotic fragment done. The boy is now over 19 years old. He has only minimal pain after sports activity and a slightly limited range of movement. The limb shortening is 1.5 cm.     

Valgus osteotomy for nonunion and neglected neck of femur fractures

Nonunion neck of femur can be a difficult problem to treat, particularly in the young, and is associated with high complication rates of avascular necrosis due to the precarious blood supply and poor biomechanics.The various treatment options that have been described can be broadly divided according to the aim of improving either biology or biomechanics. Surgeries aimed at improving the biology, such as vascularized fibula grafting, have good success rates but require high levels of expertise and substantial resources. A popular surgical treatment aimed at improving the biomechanics-valgus intertrochanteric osteotomyoptimizes conditions for fracture healing by converting shear forces across the fracture site into compressive forces. Numerous variations of this surgical procedure have been developed and successfully applied in clinical practice. As a result, the proximal femoral orientation for obtaining a good functional outcome has evolved over the years, and the present concept of altering the proximal femoral anatomy as little as possible has arisen. This technical objective supports attaining union as well as a good functional outcome, since excessive valgus can lead to increased joint reaction forces. This review summarizes the historical and current literature on valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy treatment of nonunion neck of femur, with a focus on factors predictive of good functional outcome and potential pitfalls to be avoided as well as controversies surrounding this procedure.     

Modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy in neglected femoral neck fractures in children: a report of 10 cases followed for a minimum of 5 years

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of a modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy (MPIO) in neglected femoral neck fractures in children. DESIGN: Prospective study with retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary care Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS: Ten children (8 males, 2 females) with an average age of 10.2 years with neglected femoral neck fractures were seen from 1990 to 1998. A femoral neck fracture was considered neglected when no proper medical treatment was instituted for at least 1 month following the fracture. Nonunion was accompanied by coxa vara and resorption of the femoral neck in 9 patients; a 10th patient had a neglected femoral neck fracture for 1 month without coxa vara. Three patients at time of presentation with Delbet Type II displaced fractures with associated nonunion and coxa vara (2 with Ratliff Type III and 1 with Type I) also had avascular necrosis using plain radiographic criteria of increased density. INTERVENTION: Modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy. The children were immobilized in a hip spica for 6-10 weeks postoperatively and weightbearing was started after hip spica removal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture healing, neck-shaft angle, avascular necrosis, and functional outcome. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 8.2 years (range 5-12 years). All patients had union of their fracture within an average of 16.6 weeks (12-20 weeks) and of the osteotomy site within 8.2 weeks (7-9 weeks). Radiologic signs of avascular necrosis disappeared completely in the 3 patients who presented with avascular necrosis. In 1 patient with a preoperatively viable femoral head, radiologic signs of Ratliff Type I avascular necrosis appeared between 60 and 98 weeks. This radiologic finding became normal again, indicating viability of the femoral head somewhere between 98 to 205 weeks of follow-up. Postoperatively, an average of 135-degree neck-shaft angle was achieved (range 125-160 degrees). The average preoperative neck-shaft angle was 104.4 degrees (range 92-120 degrees) and on the normal hip side it was 127.7 degrees (range 124-132 degrees). Significant improvement in the neck-shaft angle was seen compared with the preoperative angle (P < 0.001) and normal hip angle (P < 0.05). Coxa vara and signs of chondrolysis were not observed in any of the patients. Premature proximal femoral epiphyseal closure resulting in a 1-cm and a 1.5-cm leg-length discrepancy was seen in 2 patients as compared with their normal side. A mild Trendelenburg gait was observed in 1 patient (10%). Using Ratliff's criteria, 9 patients (90%) were graded as a good result and 1 patient (10%) was graded as a fair result. The osteotomy plate was removed in 1 patient (10%). CONCLUSION: An MPIO creates a biomechanical environment conducive to healing of a neglected femoral neck nonunion in a child while simultaneously correcting an associated coxa vara. The procedure also seems to have a biological role in helping restore viability to a noncollapsed femoral head with avascular necrosis.     

Valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur with sliding hip screw for the treatment of femoral neck nonunions: the technique, a case series, and literature review

Femoral neck nonunions are a difficult complication in the treatment of femoral neck fractures and have traditionally been managed using an intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy and blade plate. We propose an alternative method, a proximal femoral valgus osteotomy using a sliding hip screw instead of a blade plate. This technique eliminates many of the difficulties experienced with the valgus osteotomy and blade plate by employing a device and instrumentation that is more familiar to orthopedic surgeons. The technique is reproducible and has been used successfully in a series of 4 patients.     

Functional outcome of modified Pauwels�� intertrochanteric osteotomy and total hip arthroplasty in femoral neck fractures in elderly patients

Background:

A high union rate (75%-100%) with a lower incidence of avascular necrosis (8%-9.3%) has been reported with intertrochanteric osteotomy in femoral neck fractures in elderly whereas arthroplasty eliminates the incidence of nonunion and avascular necrosis We present a series of femoral neck fracture in elderly treated with modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy and total hip arthroplasty for their functional outcome.

Materials and Methods:

29 elderly patients of 60 years and above sustaining fresh subcapital femoral neck fracture underwent total hip arthroplasty (group I, n=14) and modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy (group II, n=15). Functions were evaluated using modified Harris hip score, d''Aubigne and postel criteria and SF-36 score at 6, 12, 52 and 100 weeks.

Results:

The fracture union in group II was achieved in 14 (93.3%) patients at the fracture site at an average of 15 weeks and osteotomy united in all patients. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was observed in one patient (6.7%). Average operative time was 88.9 and 65.6 minutes in group I and II, respectively (P value = 0.00001). An average of 0.8 and 0.2 unit blood was transfused in patients in group I and II, respectively (P value = 0.001). Average time of full weight bearing was 6.1 weeks and 11.6 weeks in group I and group II, respectively. At 100 weeks 71.4% (n = 10) patients in group I and 80% (n = 12) patients in group II showed good to excellent results on the basis of modified Harris hip score. 71.4% (n = 10) patients in group I and 66.6% (n = 10) patients in group II showed good to excellent results on the basis of d''Aubigne criteria. Average SF-36 score was 17.2% in group I and 17.6% in group II. Revision osteotomy was performed in one patient in group II because of implant cut through. Another patient in group II underwent THR because of painful hip. One patient in group I presented with dislocation after 3 weeks of surgery.

Conclusion:

Functional results of total hip arthroplasty and intertrochanteric osteotomy are comparable and the valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy with osteosynthesis in subcapital femoral neck fractures in elderly patients of sixty years and above may be considered as an option.     

An experimental canine model of osteonecrosis: Characterization of the repair process

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was induced in dogs by a process of deep freezing, accompanied by stripping of the soft-tissue attachments from the femoral neck and intertrochanteric area, in an effort to develop an experimental model to study treatment modalities for avascular necrosis of the hip. Immediate uniform necrosis was created in a defined area. Thereafter, spontaneous healing originated mainly from the adjacent viable bone by migration of undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue into the necrotic bone, genesis of fibrosis, and, finally, formation of new bone. Osteogenesis occurred primarily through intramembranous ossification without a preexisting template. Quantitative measurements showed a difference in the rates of ingrowth and revascularization of the necrotic area during the fibrotic and osteogenic phases of the healing. The de novo osteogenesis was slower than the migration of fibrosis. These findings indicate that, without osteotomy, we can reproducibly create necrosis of bone in a defined area of the proximal femur and induce a reparative process that incompletely heals the defect. Although it does not fully simulate the human disorder of osteonecrosis, our experimental surgical model provides a basis for further laboratory investigation into the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.     

Gelenkerhaltende Hüftchirurgie im Erwachsenenalter

Due to advances in total joint replacement, intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) is performed more infrequently in spite of good clinical results. Nevertheless, there are several good indications for this joint-preserving procedure in adults. Detailed biomechanical knowledge and precise clinical examination are prerequisites for correct indications and planning of ITO. The main target of this surgical procedure is improvement of joint congruency and normalization of load transfer to protect damaged cartilage. Very good results can be obtained in hip dysplasia, non-union of the femoral neck and proximal femoral deformities if the therapeutic principles are followed. Higher failure rates have to be expected in femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritis, depending on the degree of pre-existing cartilage damage.     

Rotational osteotomy for non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

We reviewed 41 hips in 40 patients at three to 11 years (average 6.3 years) after Sugioka transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The clinical results were excellent or good in 23 hips (56%) and the radiological success rate was 56%. Failure was due to fracture of the femoral neck, nonunion of the osteotomy, secondary collapse, or osteoarthritis. Nonunion and femoral neck fracture were more common after the use of the large screws described by Sugioka than with AO blade plates. Secondary collapse was significantly more common when less than one-third of the posterior articular surface was intact (p = 0.002). Postoperative degenerative changes were seen in cases with stage III avascular necrosis. We conclude that success depends to a large extent on the amount and stage of necrosis of the femoral head, but that careful technique and the use of AO hip plates may increase the likelihood of a satisfactory result.     

Avascular necrosis of femoral head after gamma-nailing for unstable intertrochanteric fractures

We reported on 7 cases of avascular necrosis ¶of the femoral head after treatment of an unstable intertrochanteric fracture with the Asian Pacific gamma-nail. The incidence was about 1.16% (7 of 604) in our series. Good reduction and good implant position were achieved in all 7 men. Avascular necrosis was found about 6 months to 3 years after the initial operation, and all the fractures were solidly united at the final diagnosis. The possible etiologies were initial high energy trauma and combining basal neck fracture and iatrogenic damage of the blood supply to the femoral head.     

Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for malunion and nonunion of trochanteric fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for varus nonunion and malunion of trochanteric fractures. SETTING: University hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients (age range 29-84 years) with varus malunion (11 cases) or varus nonunion (4 cases). Indication for surgery was nonunion or varus malunion with limb shortening greater than 2 cm associated with limp, abductor muscle insufficiency, hip pain, and back pain. INTERVENTION: The patients were treated by a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy fixed with a 120 degrees double-angled blade plate. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 5.5 years (range 2-10 years). Fourteen patients healed without complications: 12 patients within 4 months; 2 delayed unions within 6 months. One patient required revision surgery for a loss of fixation due to a fall 6 weeks after surgery. This osteotomy also healed. Average lengthening achieved by osteotomy was 2 cm (range 1-5 cm). In all patients, the resulting range of flexion in the hip joint was greater than 90 degrees, Harris hip score before surgery was 73 points (range 61-83), and after surgery 92 points (range 76-98). Osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head did not develop in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy is an effective procedure that reliably restores hip function in trochanteric malunion or nonunion.     

Long-term result of combination of open reduction and femoral derotation varus osteotomy with shortening for developmental dislocation of the hip

This study examined femoral derotation varus osteotomy with shortening performed on children with developmental dislocation of the hip. Each patient reached 14 years of age. Surgical outcomes were evaluated clinically and roentgenographically. We studied nine patients with 11 joints undergoing surgical repair. Age at the time of operation averaged 2 years and 1 month; the period of observation averaged 15 years and 7 months; and age at final investigation averaged 17 years and 8 months. Each patient underwent the study operation as an initial treatment. Salter pelvic osteotomy was reserved as a second treatment for those patients whose acetabular development proved inadequate during post-surgical observation. The evaluation method established by McKay was utilized to determine clinical results at the time of final investigation; 73% of the study group were established as having good results. Severin's evaluation method was used to assess roentgenographical results; 45% of the study group were determined to have good results. Kalamchi's evaluation method allowed six joints to be diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head; however, in all cases but one, necrosis had been present prior to surgery. Those six joints that did not have necrosis of the femoral head prior to surgery developed only one mild necrosis subsequent to surgery. Achieving a stable reduced position by femoral derotation varus osteotomy, as well as sufficient decompression of the femoral head by shortening osteotomy, are considered to have played very important roles in preventing the femoral head from developing necrosis.