Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: complications and their treatment

An ipsilateral femoral neck fracture occurs in approximately 6% to 9% of all femoral shaft fractures. Despite this relatively common presentation, decision-making often is difficult. Furthermore, the risk for complications is greater in the treatment of this combination injury pattern than for single-level fractures. A retrospective review of the authors' large trauma database revealed 13 patients who had healing complications develop after their index surgical procedure. Six of the eight (75%) femoral neck nonunions occurring in these 13 patients developed after the use of a second generation, reconstruction-type intramedullary nail. Factors contributing to nonunion of the femoral shaft were the presence of an open fracture, use of an unreamed, small diameter intramedullary nail, and prolonged delay to weightbearing. The femoral neck nonunions healed after either valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (seven patients) or compression hip screw fixation (one patient). The femoral shaft nonunion proved more difficult than expected to treat with some patients with femoral shaft nonunions requiring more than one operative procedure to achieve union. Lag screw fixation of the femoral neck fracture and reamed intramedullary nailing for shaft fracture stabilization were associated with the fewest complications. Therefore, this approach is recommended as the treatment of choice.