Unstable recent intracapsular femoral neck fractures in young adults: Osteosynthesis and primary valgus osteotomy using broad dynamic compression plate

Background:

Displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures continue to be a difficult problem to treat. Various treatment modalities and their modifications have been proposed to improve the outcome. Osteosynthesis and primary valgus angulation osteotomy is one of them. Technique and outcome in a consecutive series of recent intracapsular femoral neck fractures in young adults, from a single center, is presented.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-five patients of recent (<3 weeks old) displaced intracapsular fracture neck femur (Garden III and IV, Pauwels III, with or without comminution) in the age group 20-50 years (mean 35.4±10.4 years) were subjected to osteosynthesis and primary valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy using contoured broad dynamic compression plate (DCP). The patients were followed up from two to six years (mean 4.6 years).

Results:

Fifty-one fractures united by six months of the index procedure (92.7% union range). Avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in six patients (11%). The other complications were shortening (six), coxa vara (two), infection (two) and delayed union at osteotomy site (one). Excellent results were achieved in 48, good/fair in four and poor in three patients.

Conclusion:

Osteosynthesis with cancellous screw and primary valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy stabilized by a contoured broad DCP is a simple, easy to perform, biological treatment. Failure in a particular case can be treated with any appropriate second procedure.

Level of Evidence:

IV     

Transfracture abduction osteotomy: A solution for nonunion of femoral neck fractures

Background:

Nonunion and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head remains one of the major complications following femoral neck fractures. Despite various surgical techniques and internal fixation devices, the incidence of nonunion and AVN has remained unsolved. Neglected nonunion of femoral neck fracture is common in the developing world. Treatment options include rigid internal fixation with or without bone grafting, muscle pedicle bone graft, valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur with or without bone graft, valgus osteotomy or hip arthroplasty. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cases of nonunion of femoral neck fracture treated by transfracture abduction osteotomy (TFAO).

Materials and Methods:

Over a period of 35 years (1974-2008), 30 patients with nonunion of femoral neck fractures were treated with TFAO over a period of 35 years (1974-2008), All patients were less than 50 years of age. Absence of clinical and radiological signs of union after four months was considered as nonunion. Patients more than 50 years of age were excluded from the study. Union was assessed at 6 months radiologically. Limb length was measured at six months. The mean duration of femoral neck fracture was 19 months (range 4 months 10 years). Results were analyzed in terms of radiological union at six months. Average followup was five years and six months.

Results:

Consistent union was noted at the followup after six months in 29 cases. One case was lost to followup after five and one-half months postoperatively. However, the fracture had united in this case at the last followup. Average shortening of the limb at six months was 1.9 cm. Average neck shaft angle was 127° (range 120-145°). Five cases went into AVN but were asymptomatic. Two cases required reoperation due to back out of Moore''s pins. These were reopened and cancellous screws were inserted in the same tracks.

Conclusions:

Consistent union of nonunion femoral neck fracture was noted at the followup after six months in 29 cases. The major drawback of the procedure is immobilization of the patient in the hip spica for eight weeks.     

Augmented osteosynthesis with tensor fascia latae muscle pedicle bone grafting in neglected femoral neck fracture

Background:

Neglected intracapsular femoral neck fracture in young patients may fail to unite because of the excessive shearing strain at the fracture site and it is a surgical challenge to any orthopedic surgeon. The problem is compounded by resorption of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head. There is no satisfactory solution available in the management of femoral neck fracture as far as the union of the fracture and AVN of femoral head are concerned. Muscle pedicle bone grafting has been advocated to provide additional blood supply to the femoral head. We report a retrospective analysis of 48 cases of neglected femoral neck fracture treated by internal fixation and tensor fascia latae based muscle pedicle bone grafting.

Materials and Methods:

48 patients with femoral neck fractures with age varied from 20 to 53 years (average age 32.9 years) with male to female ratio of 2:1 were enrolled. All fractures were more than 3 weeks old with mean delay being 86 days (22–150 days). Open reduction and internal fixation along with tensor fascia latae muscle pedicle bone grafting was done in all cases. It was supplemented by multiple drilling and cortico-cancellous bone grafting. Fracture fixation was done with three parallel 6.5-mm AO cannulated cancellous lag screws and the graft fixed with a 4-mm cancellous screw to provide a secure fixation. During the followup period of 2-6.8 years (average 4.4 years) the results were assessed clinically by modified Harris hip scoring system and radiologically by the evidence of signs of fracture union.

Results:

Union was achieved in 41/48 (85.41%) cases which were followed for an average period of 4.4 years (2–6.8 years) with good functional results and ability to squat and sit cross-legged. Results were assessed according to modified Harris Hip Scoring system and found to be excellent in 19, good in 22, fair in 5, and poor in 2 patients. Complications were nonunion, (n=3) avascular necrosis (n=2), and coxa vara deformity (n=2).

Conclusion:

Internal fixation with muscle pedicle bone grafting is a suitable option to secure union in neglected femoral neck fractures in physiologically active patients with late presentation.     

Postoperative stability on lateral radiographs in the surgical treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures

Background

Fixed-angle sliding hip-screw devices are commonly used to treat pertrochanteric fractures. The controlled impaction between the head and neck fragment and the femoral shaft fragment is crucial. However, the poor quality of fracture reduction can intercept controlled impaction and lead to excessive sliding. We hypothesized that excessive sliding occurs when most of the impaction is placed on the fragile posterior cortex of the fracture site.

Methods

This retrospective study included 128 AO/OTA type 31-A1 or 31-A2 fractures treated with fixed-angle sliding hip-screw devices. Cases involving reduced continuity of the anterior cortex at fracture site were defined as Type 1, those involving head and neck fragment anteriorly displaced relative to the femoral shaft fragment as Type 2, and those involving head and neck fragment posteriorly displaced relative to the femoral shaft fragment as Type 3. The extent of postoperative sliding distance of lag screw was measured.

Results

There were 52 cases of Type 1, 30 of Type 2, and 46 of Type 3, with no differences in patient characteristics between types. The mean?±?standard deviation extent of sliding for types 1–3 was 4.5?±?4.9?mm, 7.8?±?5.6?mm, and 11.1?±?6.0?mm, respectively (p?p?p?=?0.044, respectively).

Conclusions

Excessive sliding occurs in surgical treatment for pertrochanteric fractures with posterior displacement of the head and neck fragment. In such cases, we recommend appropriate reduction prior to internal fixation.     

Results of triple muscle (sartorius,tensor fascia latae and part of gluteus medius) pedicle bone grafting in neglected femoral neck fracture in physiologically active patients

Background:

Femoral neck fractures are notorious for complications like avascular necrosis and nonunion. In developing countries, various factors such as illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, ignorance are responsible for the delay in surgery. Neglected fracture neck femur always poses a formidable challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of triple muscle pedicle bone grafting using sartorius, tensor fasciae latae and part of gluteus medius in neglected femoral neck fracture.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study with medical record of 50 patients, who were operated by open reduction, internal fixation along with muscle pedicle bone grafting by the anterior approach. After open reduction, two to three cancellous screws (6.5 mm) were used for internal fixation in all cases. A bony chunk of the whole anterior superior iliac spine of 1 cm thickness, 1 cm width and 4.5 cm length, taken from the iliac crest comprised of muscle pedicle of sartorius, tensor fascia latae and part of gluteus medius. Then the graft with all three muscles mobilized and put in the trough made over the anterior or anterosuperior aspect of the femoral head. The graft was fixed with one or two 4.5 mm self-tapping cortical screw in anterior to posterior direction.

Results:

14 patients were lost to followup. The results were based on 36 patients. We observed that in our series, there was union in 34, out of 36 (94.4%) patients. All patients were within the age group of 15-51 years (average 38 years) with displaced neglected femoral neck fracture of ≥30 days. Mean time taken for full clinicoradiological union was 14 weeks (range-10-24 weeks).

Conclusion:

Triple muscle pedicle bone grafting gives satisfactory results for neglected femoral neck fracture in physiologically active 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.     

Free fibular strut graft in neglected femoral neck fractures in adult

Background:

Neglected femoral neck fracture in adults still poses a formidable challenge. Existing treatment options varies from osteotomy (with or without graft) to osteosynthesis using various implants and grafting techniques (muscle pedicle, vascularized, and nonvascularized fibula). The aim of this study was to assess outcome of nonvascularized fibular strut graft and cancellous screw fixation in neglected femoral neck fractures in the younger age group.

Materials and Methods:

Medical records of 32 patients of neglected femoral neck fracture, in the age group of 22-45 years (mean 37.8 years), operated between May 1994 to December 2001, were retrospectively reviewed. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 patients having three years minimum follow-up (mean 4.6 years) were included. Delay between injury and operation varied from four weeks to 42 weeks (mean 16.4 weeks). Closed reduction was achieved in 17 patients; open reduction through Watson-Jones anterolateral approach was performed in the remaining 15 patients in whom closed reduction failed. The fracture was transfixed with three parallel guide wires. Appropriate sized cannulated lag screw (7 mm) was then inserted in two of the wires. Selection of the third guide wire for fibula depended on the space available in both anteroposterior and lateral view.

Results:

Satisfactory bony union was obtained in 25 patients, of whom in four cases, the union occurred in 10-20° (mean 15°) of varus. Nonunion occurred in three patients (9.37%), and aseptic necrosis occurred in another six patients (18.75%). Of the 25 patients where union was achieved, five patients showed excellent results; 14 good and six had poor functional result, as evaluated using modified Anglen criteria.

Conclusion:

Nonvascularized fibular strut graft along with cancellous screws provides a dependable and technically less-demanding alternative procedure for neglected femoral neck fractures in young adults. Fibula being cortical provides mechanical strength besides stimulating the union and getting incorporated as biological graft.     

Surgical hip dislocation for treatment of cam femoroacetabular impingement

Background:

Cam femoroacetabular impingement is caused by a misshapen femoral head with a reduced head neck offset, commonly in the anterolateral quadrant. Friction in flexion, adduction and internal rotation causes limitation of the hip movements and pain progressively leading to labral and chondral damage and osteoarthritis. Surgical hip dislocation described by Ganz permits full exposure of the hip without damaging its blood supply. An osteochondroplasty removes the bump at the femoral head neck junction to recreate the offset for impingement free movement.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen patients underwent surgery with surgical hip dislocation for the treatment of cam femoroacetabular impingement by open osteochondroplasty over last 6 years. Eight patients suffered from sequelae of avascular necrosis (AVN). Three had a painful dysplastic hip. Two had sequelae of Perthes disease. Three had combined cam and pincer impingement caused by retroversion of acetabulum. All patients were operated by the trochanteric flip osteotomy with attachments of gluteus medius and vastus lateralis, dissection was between the piriformis and gluteus minimus preserving the external rotators. Z-shaped capsular incision and dislocation of the hip was done in external rotation. Three cases also had subtrochanteric osteotomy. Two cases of AVN also had an intraarticular femoral head reshaping osteotomy.

Results:

Goals of treatment were achieved in all patients. No AVN was detected after a 6 month followup. There were no trochanteric nonunions. Hip range of motion improved in all and Harris hip score improved significantly in 15 of 16 cases. Mean alpha angle reduced from 86.13° (range 66°–108°) to 46.35° (range 39°–58°).

Conclusion:

Cam femoroacetabular Impingement causing pain and limitation of hip movements was treated by open osteochondroplasty after surgical hip dislocation. This reduced pain, improved hip motion and gave good to excellent results in the short term.     

Factors affecting transfusion requirement after hip fracture: Can we reduce the need for blood?

Background

Hip fractures are common injuries that result in blood loss and frequently require the transfusion of blood products. We sought to identify risk factors leading to increased blood transfusion in patients presenting with hip fractures, especially those factors that are modifiable.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients who had fixation of their hip fractures between October 2005 and February 2010. The need for transfusion was correlated with potential risk factors, including age, sex, preoperative hemoglobin, fracture type, fixation method and more.

Results

A total of 835 patients had fixation of their hip fractures during the study period; 631 met the inclusion criteria and 249 of them (39.5%) were transfused. We found an association between need for blood transfusion and female sex (p = 0.018), lower preoperative hemoglobin (p < 0.001), fracture type (p < 0.001) and fixation method (p < 0.001). Compared with femoral neck fractures, there was a 2.37 times greater risk of blood transfusion in patients with intertrochanteric fractures (p < 0.001) and a 4.03 times greater risk in those with subtrochanteric fractures (p < 0.001). Dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation decreased the risk of transfusion by about half compared with intramedullary nail or hemiarthroplasty. We found no association with age, delay to operation (p = 0.17) or duration of surgery (p = 0.30).

Conclusion

The only modifiable risk factor identified was fixation method. When considering blood transfusion requirements in isolation, we suggest a potential benefit in using a DHS for intertrochanteric and femoral neck fractures amenable to DHS fixation.     

Digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and surgical dislocation of hip in the management of acetabular fractures

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy technique in the management of acetabular fractures and to evaluate surgical outcome in terms of fracture reduction, femoral head viability of selected acetabular fractures treated operatively using a digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with surgical dislocation of the femoral head.

Design

Prospective.

Patients

Eighteen patients predominantly with combined transverse and posterior wall fractures or multifragmentary posterior wall fractures.

Outcome evaluation

Clinical and radiographic analysis after a minimum 18 months follow-up.

Methods

A single modified approach involving digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with anterior (n = 14) or posterior (n = 4) surgical dislocation of the femoral head, was done for one or more of following reasons: intra-articular assessment of reduction in fractures with comminution, marginal impaction and involvement of the anterior column, removal of intra-articular fragments, and confirmation of extra-articular screw placement.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 26 months (18–40 months), the 17 patients presented with a good to excellent clinical result according to the d’Aubigné score. In all subjects, anatomical reduction was achieved during surgery. The osteotomy site healed at an average of 7 weeks and all the patients recovered abductor strength at 12 weeks. One avascular necrosis occurred in a case of posterior column plus wall fracture (who presented to us after 3 weeks). No heterotopic ossification interfering with hip function was found.

Conclusion

This technique gives good exposure (especially in posterior wall, dome area, posterior fracture-dislocation with intra-articular fragments/femoral head fractures and T-fractures), preservation of abductor strength (which may be lost with excessive retraction of abductors to see dome area in classical posterior approach), reliable healing of osteotomy (in contrast to conventional trochanteric osteotomy) without risking the vascularity of femoral head.     

The best location for proximal locking screw for femur interlocking nailing: A biomechanical study

Background:

Proximal locking screw deformation and screw fracture is a frequently seen problem for femur interlocking nailing that affects fracture healing. We realized that there is lack of literature for the right level for the proximal locking screw. We investigated the difference of locking screw bending resistance between the application of screws on different proximal femoral levels.

Materials and Methods:

We used a total of 80 proximal locking screws for eight groups, 10 screws for each group. Three-point bending tests were performed on four types of screws in two different trochanteric levels (the lesser trochanter and 20 mm proximal). We determined the yield points at three-point bending tests that a permanent deformation started in the locking screws using an axial compression testing machine.

Results:

The mean yield point value of 5 mm threaded locking screws applied 20 mm proximal of lesser trochanter was 1022 ± 49 (range 986–1057) (mean ± standard deviation, 95% confidence interval). On the other hand, the mean yield point value of the same type of locking screws applied on the lesser trochanteric level was 2089 ± 249 (range 1911–2268). Which means 103% increase of screw resistance between two levels (P = 0.000). In all screw groups, on the lesser trochanter line we determined 98–174% higher than the yield point values of the same type of locking screws in comparison with 20 mm proximal to the lesser trochanter (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

According to our findings, there is twice as much difference in locking screw bending resistance between these two application levels. To avoid proximal locking screw deformation, locking screws should be placed in the level of the lesser trochanter in nailing of 1/3 middle and distal femur fractures.     

Outcome of total hip arthroplasty as a salvage procedure for failed infected internal fixation of hip fractures

Background:

Failed infected internal fixation produces significant pain and functional disability. In infected internal fixation of hip fractures with partial or complete head destruction, total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be technically challenging; however, it restores hip biomechanics. The present study is to evaluate the results and assess the complications of THA following failed infected internal fixation of these fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data in a tertiary healthcare center was performed of 20 consecutive patients of THA following failed infected internal fixation operated between September 2001 and November 2007. There were 11 dynamic hip screw failures for intertrochanteric fractures, 6 failed osteotomies following transcervical fractures, and 3 failed screw fixations for transcervical fractures.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 48.5 years (range 28-70 years) and the average followup period was 6.5 years (range 3.5-10.5 years). An indigenously designed cement spacer was used in a majority of patients (n = 15). The custom-made antibiotic impregnated cement spacer was prepared on-table, with the help of a K-nail bent at 130°, long stem Austin Moore''s prosthesis (n=1), Charnley''s prosthesis (n=1), or bent Rush nail (n=1). The antibiotic mixed cement was coated over the hardware in its doughy phase and appropriately shaped using an asepto syringe or an indigenously prepared spacer template. Nineteen of the 20 patients underwent two-stage revision surgeries. The average Harris hip score improved from 35.3 preoperatively to 82.85 postoperatively at the last followup. A significant difference was found (P < 0.0001). None of the patients had recurrence of infection.

Conclusions:

The results were comparable to primary arthroplasty in femoral neck fractures. Thus, THA is a useful salvage procedure for failed infected internal fixation of hip fractures.     

Periazetabuläre Osteotomie zur Behandlung der Hüftgelenkdysplasie unter Verwendung eines ilioinguinalen Zugangs

Objective

Three-dimensional osteotomy around the acetabulum in order to restore coverage of the femoral head without compromising pelvic stability and to alleviate pain.

Indications

Painful hip dysplasia in young patients with poor coverage of the femoral head.

Contraindications

Open epiphyseal plates. Lack of congruency between femoral head and acetabulum. Advanced osteoarthritis. Flexion < 90°.

Surgical Technique

Ilioinguinal incision according to Letournel. Three osteotomies. First osteotomy: superior pubic ramus. Second osteotomy, first step: iliac cut from midpoint between anterior superior and anterior inferior iliac spine to 1 cm above the pelvic brim; second step: iliac cut at an angle of 110–120° to first step aiming at the ischial spine 4 cm below the pelvic brim. Third osteotomy, first step: anterior ischial osteotomy beneath the acetabulum; second step: ischial osteotomy from the lower end of the second osteotomy (second step) to the already created anterior ischial osteotomy. The orientation of the acetabulum is changed to the desired position with help of a Schanz screw, temporary fixation with Kirschner wires. Image intensifier control. Fixation of fragment with three 3.5-mm cortical screws.

Results

From 1994 until 2001, 32 periacetabular osteotomies in 31 patients were performed. 28 patients had a follow-up for ≥ 1 year. 27 of 28 patients were satisfied at follow-up. The unsatisfied patient suffered from severe pain due to a partial lesion of the sciatic nerve. One hip has been converted to total hip arthroplasty 7 years later. No intraoperative injury to large vessels, no thromboembolic complication. No accidental osteotomy into the hip.     

Three-dimensional computer-assisted navigation for the placement of cannulated hip screws. A pilot study

Purpose

Medial femoral neck fractures are common, and closed reduction and internal fixation by three cannulated screws is an accepted method for the surgical treatment. Computer navigation for screw placement may reduce fluoroscopy time, the number of guidewire passes and optimise screw placement.

Methods

In the context of a sawbone study, a computer-assisted planning and navigation system based on 3D-imaging for guidewire placement in the femoral neck was tested to improve screw placement. Three screws were inserted into 12, intact, femoral sawbones using the conventional technique and into 12, intact, femoral sawbones guided by the computer-based navigation system. Guidewire and subsequent screw placement in the femoral neck were evaluated.

Results

Use of the navigation system resulted in a significant reduction of the number of drilling attempts (p ≤ 0.05) and achieved optimised accuracy of implant placement by attaining significantly better screw parallelism (p ≤ 0.05) and significantly enlarged neck-width coverage by the three screws (p ≤ 0.0001). Computer assistance significantly increased the number of fluoroscopic images (p ≤ 0.001) and the operation time (p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions

Three-dimensional computer-assisted navigation improves accuracy of cannulated screw placement in femoral neck while increasing the number of fluoroscopic images and operation time. Additional studies including fractured sawbones and cadaver models with the goal of reducing operation time are indispensable before introduction of this navigation system into clinical practice.     

Long proximal femoral nail in ipsilateral fractures proximal femur and shaft of femur

Background:

Ipsilateral fractures of the proximal femur and femoral shaft are extremely uncommon injuries which occur in young adults who sustain a high energy trauma. A variety of management modalities have been tried to treat this complex fracture pattern ranging from conservative approach to recently introduced reconstruction nails. All these approaches have their own difficulties. We studied the outcome of long proximal femoral nail (LPFN) in the management of concomitant ipsilateral fracture of the proximal femur and femoral shaft.

Materials and Methods:

We analysed the prospective data of 36 consecutive patients who had sustained a high energy trauma (30 closed fractures and 6 open shaft fractures) who had concomitant ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft associated with proximal femur fractures treated with LPFN between December 2005 and December 2011. The mean age was 39 years (range 28-64 years). Twenty nine males and seven females were enrolled for this study.

Results:

The patients were followed up at three, six, twelve, and eighteen months. The mean healing time for the neck fractures was 4.8 months and for the shaft fractures was 6.2 months. The greater trochanter was splintered and widened in two cases which eventually consolidated. Two patients had superficial infection, two patients had lateral migration of the screws with coxa vara which was due to severe osteoporosis detected during the followup. We had two cases of nonunion of shaft fracture and one case of nonunion of neck fracture. Two cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head were detected after 2 years of followup. No cases of implant failure were noted. Limb shortening of less than 2 cms was noted in four of our patients. The functional assessment system of Friedman and Wyman was used for evaluating the results. In our series 59.9% (n = 23) were rated as good, 30.6% (n = 11) as fair, and 5.5% (n = 2) as poor.

Conclusion:

Long PFN is a reliable option for concomitant ipsilateral diaphyseal and proximal femur fractures.     

Delayed fixation of displaced type II and III pediatric femoral neck fractures

Background:

Time from injury to fixation of femoral neck fractures has been postulated as a vital determinant for rate of complications; however, no prospective study is available in the English literature. Delay, unfortunately, is inevitable in developing countries. The aim of the present study is to retrospectively review the outcome after delayed fixation of displaced type II and III femoral neck fractures in children.

Materials and Methods:

Using a standard assessment chart, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of all pediatric patients having femoral neck fractures presenting to our institution from June 1999 to May 2006. Inclusion criteria were children between 5 and 15 years of age sustaining displaced Delbet type II and III femoral neck fractures having a complete follow-up of at least 2 years. Patients with known metabolic disease, poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy, were excluded from the study. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 patients having 22 fractures (13 type II and 9 type III) were studied. Surgery could be performed after a mean delay of 11.22 days (ranging from 2 to 21 days). Closed reduction was achieved in 14 cases and 8 cases required open reduction through anterolateral approach.

Result:

Osteonecrosis was noted in eight patients (36.37%) who included two of nine patients (22.22%) operated in the first week, three of eight patients (37.51%) operated in the second week, and three of five patients (60%) operated in the third week of injury. Nonunion was seen in four (18.18%) cases, and two of them were associated with failure of implants. One was treated by valgus osteotomy and the other by Meyer''s procedure. Fractures united in both children but the latter developed avascular necrosis. Functional results, as assessed using Ratliff''s criteria, were good in 14 (63.63%), fair in 2 (9%), and poor in 6 (27.27%) patients.

Conclusion:

Delay in fixation, type of fracture, and ability to achieve and maintain reduction are factors primarily responsible for the outcome. We also found that delay after the first week further adversely affects the outcome.     

Closed reduction, internal fixation with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting in displaced femoral neck fracture

Background:

Management of femoral neck fracture is still considered as an unsolved problem. It is more evident in displaced fractures where this fracture is considered as some sort of vascular insult to the head of the femur. We have used closed reduction, internal fixation and quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting in fresh displaced femoral neck fractures.

Materials and Methods:

From April 1996 to December 2004 we operated 73 consecutive patients of displaced femoral neck fracture in the age group of 24 to 81 years, mean age being 54.6 years. The patients were operated within one week of injury, the mean delay being 3.6 days. Closed reduction internal fixation along with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting was done in all cases. They were followed up for an average period of 5.6 years (range 2-11 years).

Results:

Results were assessed according to modified Harris Hip Scoring system and found to be excellent in 53, good in 12, fair in six and poor in two patients. Bony union occurred in 68 cases, no patient developed avascular necrosis (AVN) till date.

Conclusion:

For fresh displaced femoral neck fracture in physiologically active patients closed reduction, internal fixation and quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting is a suitable option to secure union and prevent development of AVN.     

Valgus osteotomy in delayed presentation of femoral neck fractures using fixed angle simple dynamic hip screw and plate

Purpose

Reduction and fixation in femoral neck fracture in young patients have a problem of nonunion requiring additional procedure like valgus osteotomy but fixation devices are technically difficult for inexperienced surgeons. We aims to assess the results of valgus osteotomy in femoral neck fracture in our setup.

Large diameter metal on metal total hip replacement for femoral neck fractures with neurological conditions: A retrospective assessment

Background:

Patients with Parkinson''s disease and poliomyelitis can have a femoral neck fracture; yet, the optimal methods of treatment for these hips remains controversial. Many constrained or semi-constrained prostheses, using constrained liners (CLs) with a locking mechanism to capture the femoral head, were used to treat femoral neck fractures in patients with neurological disorders. We retrospectively studied a group of patients with Parkinson''s disease and poliomyelitis who sustained femoral neck fractures and were treated by total hip arthroplasty using an L-MoM prosthesis.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 12 hips in 12 patients who underwent large-diameter metal-on-metal (L-MoM) total hip replacement between May 2007 and October 2009. Eight of the 12 patients (8 hips; 66.7%) had Parkinson''s disease and 4 patients (4 hips; 33.3%) were affected with poliomyelitis.

Results:

The followup time was 5.2 years (range 3.6-6.0 years). At the latest followup, all the patients showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic results, with pain relief. No complications, such as dislocation or aseptic loosening occurred.

Conclusion:

We believe the use of L-MoM can diminish the rate of instability or dislocation, after operation. The L-MoM is an option for patients with Parkinson''s disease and poliomyelitis with femoral neck fracture.