Intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck in young patients

The details of the aetiology, treatment and outcome of acute intracapsular fractures for 58 fractures in 57 patients aged less than 60 years, were prospectively studied. The majority of the injuries were sustained by low energy trauma. Eighty-four per cent united uneventfully. There was a non-union rate of 7 per cent, and avascular necrosis rate of 10 per cent. Better results were obtained from closed than open reduction. The results do not support the commonly held view that this injury carries a poor prognosis in young patients.