Single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis in osteosynthesis for hip fractures. A clinical multicentre study in Finland

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in open reduction and osteosynthesis of closed hip fractures is still controversial. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in osteosynthesis of these fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 224 patients operated on between November 1994 and February 1998 in six hospitals by internal fixation for a fresh hip fracture were prospectively and randomly allocated to either a ceftriaxone antibiotic prophylaxis or no prophylaxis group and followed for one year. RESULTS: Within 6 weeks after the operation, 2.6% wound infections were recorded in the antibiotic group and 4.7% in the control group. Two (1.9%) of the five infections in the control group were deep infections (both sensitive to ceftriaxone). There were no statistically significant differences between the infection rates in both groups. However, when analyzing all complications recorded within 6 weeks, significantly more complications were found in the control group (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis the most important factor predicting postoperative complications was the lack of antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: In this study the antibiotic prophylaxis group had significantly less postoperative complications than the control group within 6 weeks after the operation.     

Osteosynthesis of ununited femoral neck fracture by internal fixation combined with iliac crest bone chips and muscle pedicle bone grafting

Background:Ununited femoral neck fracture is seen commonly in developing countries due to delayed presentation or failure of primary internal fixation. Such fractures, commonly present with partial or total absorption of femoral neck, osteonecrosis of femoral head in 8–30% cases with upward migration of trochanter posing problem for osteosynthesis, especially in younger individuals. Several techniques for treatment of such conditions are described like osteotomies or nonvascularied cortical or cancellous bone grafting provided varying degrees of success in terms of fracture union but unsatisfactory long term results occurred due to varying incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head. Moreover, in presence of AVN of femoral head neither free fibular graft nor cancellous bone graft is satisfactory. The vascularied bone grafting by deep circumflex iliac artery based on iliac crest bone grafting, free vascularied fibular grafting and muscle pedicle periosteal grafting showed high incidence of success rate. Osteosynthesis is the preferred treatment of choice in ununited femoral neck fracture in younger individuals.Results:The mean followup is 12.5 years (range 3-35). The union of fractures occurred in 202 (82.8%), delayed union in 18 (7.3%), and established nonunion in 24 (9.8%) patients. Full weight bearing was permitted at 16–22 weeks after union of fractures. Mean Harris hip score at the longest followup was 85.5. Among the complications, superficial wound infection occurred in 20 (8.2%), deep infection in seven (2.9%), and coxa vara in 39 (16%) patients. Preoperative radiodensity of femoral head disappeared mostly after the union of fracture whereas fresh radiodensity of femoral head appeared in 20 (8%) patients; nine (45%) of them developed segmental collapse.Conclusion:Ununited femoral neck fractureis characterized by absorption of femoral neck, posterior cortical defect, smoothening and overriding of fracture surfaces with intervening fibrous tissues associated with or without AVN of femoral head. The above method of osteosynthesis rectified the above pathology and provided satisfactory results with union of fractures in 90.1% patients at long term followup.     

移位股骨颈骨折空心钉固定与全髋置换术疗效对比

目的 了解内固定和全髋置换治疗移位股骨颈骨折的疗效。方法 50例65岁以上有移位的股骨颈骨折病人,随机分成两组,一组为透视下闭合复位三枚平行空心螺钉内固定,另一组行全髋置换术。有精神障碍共19例。结果 全髋置换组术后1年内Harris髋关节评分优于内固定组,而病死率两组无差异。有精神障碍者全髋置换术后并发症多与内固定组。分别为32％及5％,在精神正常者则相反,分别为12％和60％。2年病死率在有精神障碍者为8/19,精神正常者为3/31(P<0.001)。结论 对有错位的股骨颈骨折的老年患者,若精神正常或对功能恢复要求较高,应行全髋置换术。     

Satisfactory results of Stanmore total hip arthroplasty after failed osteosynthesis of the femoral neck

Treatment of fractures of the femoral neck by closed reduction and internal fixation results in a high incidence of complications, and often requires secondary total hip arthroplasty. We retrospectively studied 31 patients who underwent a Stanmore (Howmedica) total hip arthroplasty performed five months (median) after osteosynthesis. The most common indications were: failure of fixation (n = 14), osteonecrosis (n = 9) and secondary osteoarthritis (n = 6). Eight patients had a maximum follow-up of 12 months; the median follow-up was 30 months in the remaining group of 23 patients. Although one patient had radiographical signs of femoral loosening, none of the patients studied needed revision of the total hip arthroplasty. Using the Merle d'Aubigné scoring system, we found excellent results in 94% of the cases. Despite the short-term follow-up and the small number of patients, we conclude that the Stanmore THA was a satisfactory salvage procedure after failure of internal fixation for femoral neck fracture.     

Universal hip fixator "Zespol". Construction of the fixator, principles of function, instrumentation, surgical technique, indications and results of treatment]

The construction and principles of function of hip fixator based on Zespol method, with compression of the fragments provided by elastic deformation of a plate is presented. Original instrumentation, operative technique and indications for this type of osteosynthesis is described. Results analysis revealed that out of 64 patients 10 died within 6 month from surgery, all of them older than 80 years of age. In 46 from remaining 56 patients a union of fractured bone was found. There were 82.2% of good results in patients with femoral neck fracture and 87.5% in the group with trochanteric fractures. Few complications produces hope for Zespol hip fixator to become valuable device for treatment both trochanteric and femoral neck fractures.     

Life expectancy after total hip arthroplasty.

The 6-year survival rate was investigated in 646 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or complications following femoral neck fracture between 1978 and 1982. A comparison of mortality was done between patients treated by osteosynthesis for fresh femoral neck fracture and a matched general population. The mortality was lower than that of the matched general population after total hip arthroplasty and even lower for patients treated for fresh femoral neck fracture. Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis had the highest survival rate, followed by patients with rheumatoid arthritis and complications after femoral neck fractures.     

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.     

Should we bury K-wires after metacarpal and phalangeal fracture osteosynthesis?

BackgroundBurying Kirschner wires (K-wires) under the skin after metacarpal and phalangeal fracture osteosynthesis may reduce risk of infection, but it might also complicate later removal.Purpose/aim of studyTo examine infection and reoperation rates after metacarpal and phalangeal fracture osteosynthesis with buried versus exposed K-wires.Materials and methodsMetacarpal and phalangeal fractures treated with K-wire osteosynthesis at our institution from 1st of January, 2009 to 1st of February, 2015 were identified retrospectively. The final study population included 444 patients, 331 with metacarpal, 109 phalangeal and 4 with mixed fractures. Surgical and patient records were examined 90 days postoperatively.Findings/results337 patients (75.9%) were treated with buried K-wires and 107 patients (24.1%) with exposed (non-buried) K-wires. 14 patients (4.1%) treated with buried K-wires presented with postoperative infection, opposed to 7 patients (6,5%) treated with non-buried K-wires (p = 0.311). None of the postoperative infections caused re-operation. Only one case of deep/severe infection was recorded in a patient treated with buried K-wires requiring intravenous antibiotic treatment. In 58 of 337 patients (17.2%) treated with buried K-wires, removal was not possible in the outpatient clinic and required readmission for removal in the operation theatre. All exposed K-wires could be removed in the out-patient clinic without re-operation.ConclusionsWe found no difference in postoperative infection rate between metacarpal and phalangeal fracture osteosynthesis with buried versus exposed K-wires. However, the high readmission and reoperation rate (17.2%) after burying K-wires should call for reconsideration of surgical strategies.     

Use of gentamicin-loaded collagen sponge in internal fixation of open fractures

Objective: To assess the outcome of immediate plate osteosynthesis via application of antibiotic impregnated collagen fleeces (gentamicin-collagen and antibiotic sponge) which gradually release antibiotic locally in the surgical treatment of open fractures presented to us 6 hours after injury. Methods: All cases were treated in our tertiary level trauma center and teaching hospital including 35 patients with open fractures who were treated by immediate open reduction and plate fixation from January 2008 to August 2010. Among them, 31 patients were available for adequate follow-up and assessment. All fractures were treated by irrigation and debridement, immediate open reduction and plate fixation along with placement of antibiotic-releasing collagen fleeces around the plate just before closure of wound. Patients were assessed to determine postoperative infection, delayed union or nonunion and development of other postoperative complications. It was hypothesized that immediate plate osteosynthesis after thorough debridement and local antibiotics would give safe and acceptable clinical results in treatment of open fractures. Results: The 31 patients with adequate final follow-up were assessed at a mean time of 40 weeks (15-160 weeks). Most fractures united primarily in an acceptable time period according to area of involvement. Local wound complications (superficial infection and skin loss) were found in 3 patients (9.67%). Deep infection was noted in 2 patients (6.45%). None of these patients needed implant removal and both fractures united in due time. Delayed union was noted in 5 patients (16.13%). No patient progressed to nonunion or implant failure in long term follow-up. Excessive scarring was developed in 2 patients (6.45%). Conclusions: Immediate plate osteosynthesis after adequate debridement and placement of collagen film eluting antibiotics locally produces excellent results regarding bone union and absence of deep infections and is a safe technique in the management of open bone injuries. These sponges can be used easily with any form of internal fixation and there is no need of second surgery for the removal of these antibiotic carriers since they are bioabsorbable. Local antibiotic-impregnated collagen sponges along with systemic antibiotics for 3 to 5 days offer promising results in open fracture management.     

Hook-pin fixation in femoral neck fractures. A two-year follow-up study of 300 cases

In 300 femoral neck fractures treated with hook-pin internal fixation, no perioperative mortality and no deep infection was seen. Eighty-four patients (28%) died within two years of the date of fracture. At two-year follow-up examination, 56 of 300 cases (19%) had developed radiographic healing complications, i.e., redisplacement, nonunion, or segmental femoral head collapse (26% of the survivors). Three of 85 undisplaced fractures (4%) developed segmental collapse (5% of the survivors) while among displaced fractures, radiographic evidence of malhealing was found in 53 of 215 cases (25%; 35% of survivors) at two-year follow-up examination. In the total series, secondary hip arthroplasty was performed in 34 cases (11%). Atraumatic reduction and internal fixation are recommended as primary treatment in femoral neck fractures.     

A randomised study in all cervical hip fractures osteosynthesis with Hansson hook-pins versus AO-screws in 199 consecutive patients followed for two years

A consecutive series of patients with all types of cervical hip fracture (both undisplaced and displaced) were randomised to osteosynthesis with Hansson hook-pins (n = 98) or AO-screws (n = 101). Background parameters, fracture type and reduction of the fracture did not differ significantly between the groups. Fifty-seven percent of the patients were operated on within 6 h of admission to hospital, 74% within 12 h and 92% within 24 h. The mean (median) time for operation was 36 (30) min for the hook-pins and 40 (35) min for the AO-screws. The devices were significantly better positioned in the hook-pin group (81% of cases good) compared to the AO-screws (66% good) (p = 0.04). In all, 72% of the patients had no deficiency either in reduction of the fracture, positioning of the implants or had drill penetration of the femoral head. Direct unrestricted weight bearing was encouraged in 92% of the hook-pin and 90% of the AO-screws group. The mean (median) hospital time was 13 (10) days with no significant difference between the groups. Following treatment, 5% walked without aids, 76% of the patients walked with some aids, and 16% could not walk. The walking ability was not known for 4%. At four months, 59% of the patients were living in their own home (64% before fracture), 18% (25% before) in a nursing home, 5% (11% before) in other accommodation and 18% were dead. After two years, 77% of the hook-pin patients had not needed any re-operation compared to 73% in the AO-screw group. In total a secondary hemi-arthroplasty had been performed in 7% and total hip arthroplasty in 12% of the patients. Extraction only of osteosynthesis material had been performed in 5%. The difference in the reoperation rates between the two methods was not significant. In the undisplaced fractures, 84% of the patients had not needed any reoperation after two years compared to 70% among the displaced fractures. Major reoperation had been performed in 10% (1% hemi and 9% total hip arthroplasty) in the patients with undisplaced fractures compared to 26% in those with displaced fractures (10% hemi, 16% total hip arthroplasty and 1% Girdlestone operation). The remaining patients had only undergone removal of metalwork. Osteosynthesis thus proved to be a successful operation in many of the patients with displaced fractures. A preoperative, prognostic-based selection between osteosynthesis and arthroplasty is the future goal for optimised femoral neck fracture treatment.     

Factors predicting healing complications in femoral neck fractures: 138 patients followed for 2 years

We have previously studied the radiographic outcome of femoral neck fracture osteosynthesis with either two hook-pins or a four-flanged nail performed by a small group of surgeons with special interest in the methods. In 138 femoral neck fractures a backwards stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to study the significance of preoperative fracture-related factors, intraoperative factors and the osteosynthesis. The development of non-union/re displacement and segmental collapse of the femoral head was influenced by fracture displacement (P 0.001) and method of osteosynthesis (P 0.007). The postoperative scintimetric ratio was influenced by the method of osteosynthesis (P 0.0003), fracture displacement (P 0.004) and by the presence of a posterior fragment (P 0.03).

Reduction of the fracture and positioning of the osteosynthesis were to a large extent within the accepted limits. This may explain why the previously well documented negative effects of malpositioning of the osteosynthesis and inferior reduction were not demonstrated to influence the rate of healing-complications. We conclude that neither patient age, sex nor preoperative fracture variables, with the exception of the extent of fracture displacement, can be used to predict radiographic healing-complications in femoral neck fractures.     

Ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck, shaft and distal end: long-term outcome of five cases

Out of 52 cases of ipsilateral femoral fractures treated at a level I trauma centre between June 1994 and March 2008, the diaphyseal fracture was accompanied by a intracapsular neck fracture in only 20 cases. In the rest of the cases, the diaphyseal fracture was combined with either an extracapsular or pertrochanteric fracture. Five of these patients also had fractures of the distal femur. In three of those patients we began treatment with osteosynthesis of the femoral neck and shaft, using a reconstruction nail, then stabilized the distal fracture with a 95° blade plate or with lag screws. In the other two cases, initial treatment dealt with the distal femoral fracture, stabilizing it with a 95° blade plate, which was also used for stabilization of the diaphyseal fracture. In these patients, the proximal fracture was treated using dynamic hip screws (DHS). All fractures healed, two after initial treatment, while the other three needed one reoperation. The follow-up period was 2–13 years after the injury. The order in which fractures are treated is best left to the discretion of the physician and the circumstances. In our experience, two implants are sufficient for osteosynthesis, one for stabilizing one end of the femur together with the shaft, and the other is used for treating the other end of the femur.     

Bilateral intertrochanteric fractures after surgical treatment of bilateral femoral neck fractures secondary to hypocalcemic convulsions with chronic renal failure: a case report and review of the literature

There have been no reports of bilateral femoral neck fractures followed by bilateral femoral intertrochanteric fractures. A 28-year-old man presenting with bilateral femoral neck fractures due to generalized convulsions was diagnosed with chronic renal failure and treated with percutaneous screw osteosynthesis and hemodialysis. During rehabilitation, the patient again had convulsions resulting in bilateral femoral intertrochanteric fractures 2 months after the operation. He was treated with a compression hip screw on the right side and conservatively on the left side. This is the first well-documented report on bilateral femoral neck fractures followed by bilateral femoral intertrochanteric fractures.     

Subcapital fractures associated with extensive osteonecrosis of the femoral head

The authors reviewed 10 patients with subcapital fractures associated with extensive osteonecrosis of the femoral head and distinguished these fractures from traumatic femoral neck fractures The mean age of the patients was 52 years (range, 36-68 years). Nine patients were younger than 60 years. Eight patients had risk factors for osteonecrosis. Necrosis was extensive and involved nearly the whole femoral head. Fracture occurred at the junction between a necrotic bone and reparative bone and extended downward through the reparative interface to the healthy inferior cortex of the femoral neck. Patients experienced hip pain that was aggravated gradually during a period of 1 to 24 weeks before diagnosis of the fracture. In all patients, the opposite femoral head was involved with osteonecrosis. In two femoral heads, slight collapse or subchondral fracture (crescent sign) also was observed. No patient had a history of precipitating trauma. In patients younger than 60 years with a subcapital fracture, fracture associated with extensive osteonecrosis of the femoral head should be suspected when a history of trauma is not obvious, when the opposite hip shows findings of osteonecrosis, and when the patient has a risk factor of osteonecrosis. In these fractures, osteosynthesis rarely should be considered because of the high failure rate caused by additional progression of extensive osteonecrosis and the probability of nonunion.     

综合防治法预防老年人股骨近端骨折下肢深静脉血栓形成的比较研究

目的 探讨对老年人股骨近端骨折围手术期下肢深静脉血栓（deep venous thrombosis，DVT）形成的预防策略。方法对2003年7月-2006年5月收治的65岁以上符合筛选条件的157例股骨近端骨折患者进行对照研究。综合防治组82例，男34例，女48例；年龄65～97岁。股骨颈骨折30例，股骨粗隆间骨折52例。对照组75例，男33例，女42例；年龄65～94岁。股骨颈骨折28例，股骨粗隆间骨折47例。两组二维彩色超声多普勒（color doppler flow imaging，CDFI）检查，均无DVT形成。患者均牵引后行相应手术治疗，对照组不进行抗凝处理；综合防治组给予口服阿司匹林、纤溶酶静脉滴注、踝关节“环转”运动、CPM机等组成的综合防治。术后7、14d行下肢CDFI检查进行比较。结果综合防治组术后7、14d下肢CDFI检查示各有2例DvT形成，中央型3例，周围型1例，DVT发生率为4．9％；1例术后3d出现黑便，停用阿司匹林及纤溶酶对症治疗后好转。对照组术后7、14d下肢CDFI检查示分别有21例和15例DVT形成，中央型21例，周围型6例，混合型9例，DVT发生率为48．0％；其中2例分别于术后8、11d猝死，尸检证实为急性肺栓塞。两组DVT发生率比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论 围手术期综合防治对于预防老年人股骨近端骨折围手术期DVT发生具有积极的临床意义。     

Plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of open femoral shaft fractures. Course in 65 cases]

In this study the results of 65 open femoral shaft fractures treated by plating are reported. The follow up of these cases proved that the osteosynthesis by plate is the treatment of choice in most of open femoral shaft fractures. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 23%. There were 5 deep infections concerning third-grade open fractures in two patients. In 10 cases a second operation was necessary because of delayed union; in 8 of these 10 fractures a homologous cancellous bone graft was performed during the first operation. Regarding to these complications an autologous bone transplantation should be carried out after primary plating of open femoral shaft fractures in order to improve vascularity and stability of the fracture. To reduce the unsatisfying rate of infections in III.-grade open fractures the treatment by external pin fixation in these cases should be preferred.     

Treatment of Traumatic Femoral Neck Fractures with an Intramedullary Nail in Osteoporotic Bones

PurposeSufficient anchoring of intramedullary osteosynthesis in the femoral head in a femoral neck fracture is a challenge with increasing age of the patients and decreasing bone quality. For older patients with inferior bone quality, it has not been investigated whether the application of an intramedullary force carrier, as a minimally invasive and rapid intervention, can provide a considerable benefit and reduce the postoperative complication and lethality rate. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the stability and functionality after the acute treatment of a femoral neck fracture in osteoporotic bone using an intramedullary force carrier even with higher grade fracture types.Material and MethodsThe retrospective analysis was based on a collective of 82 patients over 60 years of age with a femoral neck fracture treated with a gliding nail in our centre between 1999 and 2006.ResultsThe average time to follow-up was 69.05 months (median 71.0; minimum 27.0–maximum 108.0). Female patients made up more than two-thirds of the patient collective at 63 of the 82 patients (76.83%). The average age of the patients was 77.76 years (median 78.00; range 60.00–93.00).In 66 patients (80.49%), the implantation showed good results and no complications or further treatments. 24/82 patients of our collective had died in our re-evaluation. In no case, a pseudarthrosis or severe impaction with neck shortening occurred (loss of offset).11/82 patients had femoral head necrosis which led to total hip replacement in 8 cases, a hemiarthroplasty in 2 cases and in 1 case a remaining Girdlestone situation because of a deep infection. Another five patients also had to undergo a total hip replacement because of a central perforation of the blade in one case, breakout of the blade after another fall in another two cases and a lateral dislocation of the blade in two cases.ConclusionThe use of an intramedullary force carrier in the osteoporotic bone can mean distinct advantages for the selected patient as a minimally invasive and rapid surgical method compared to extensive surgery, even in the case of severe injuries. However, the advantages and disadvantages for the patient should be considered critically.     

The clinical significance of impaction at the femoral neck fracture site in the elderly

Introduction Factors influencing clinical outcomes of osteosynthesis for elderly patients with Garden stage I and II femoral neck fractures are not well understood. Materials and methods To determine the factors influencing the clinical outcomes of in situ osteosynthesis in non-displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly, radiographs and clinical data of patients were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects were 49 patients with femoral neck fractures (Garden stages I and II), who underwent osteosynthesis, with correctly inserted screws and with more than 2 years of follow up. The relationships between preoperative anteroposterior X-ray parameters including Garden stage, the presence or absence of spikes, the Singh grade, the Garden alignment index, the degree of impaction at the fracture site (the capital impaction index) and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results Among the 49 cases, there were eight unsuccessfully treated patients, two with non-union and six with late segmental collapse. The “without spikes” fracture type (P < 0.05) and the degree of capital impaction when the capital impaction index (P < 0.0001) was greater than the mean plus the standard deviation, were significantly associated with unsuccessful outcomes. Conclusion Excessive shortening at the fracture site on the anteroposterior radiograph in the femoral neck fracture of Garden stages I and II can be used to predict poor outcomes from in situ osteosynthesis.     

Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy with single-angled 130° plate fixation for fractures and non-unions of the femoral neck

Non-union of femoral neck fractures may occur due to mechanical and biological factors. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO) alters hip biomechanics and enhances fracture union. The double-angled 120° plate is usually used for internal fixation of the osteotomy. It allows the osteotomy to heal with medialisation and verticalisation of the femoral shaft. This deformity causes medial ligament strain of the knee joint, genu valgum and ultimately osteoarthritis. This work presents our experience in treating vertical fractures and non-unions of the femoral neck by VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130o plate. Thirty-six patients presented with 19 recent vertical femoral neck fractures, and 17 non-unions were included. They were 26 men and ten women, and their ages averaged 37 years. Preoperative planning and VITO technique are described. Union was achieved in 35 patients (97%), and one recent fracture failed to unite (3%). Time to fracture union averaged four months in recent fractures and eight months in un-united fractures. All patients with united fractures had an almost normal configuration of the upper femur. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was reported in five patients. Twenty-two patients (61%) were pain free, nine (25%) had hip pain on lengthy walks and the remaining five (14%) had persistent pain. Preoperative limb shortening averaged 2.5 cm, and post-operative shortening averaged 0.5 cm. We recommend VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130o plate for vertical femoral neck fractures and non-unions in relatively young adult patients.