Internal Fixation for Femoral Neck Fracture in Patients between the Ages of Twenty and Forty Years

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To retrospectively analysis of results of operatively treatment for femoral neck fracture occurred in twenties to thirties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients were selected whom we were able to follow up at least 2 years after internal fixation for femoral neck fracture in twenties to thirties from 1998 to 2005. Mean age was 32.2 (21~39) and average follow up period was 26.3 (24~45) months. According to preoperative X-ray, there were 6 cases for Garden classification stage I, 10 for stage II and 4 for stage III, and 7 cases for subcapital fracture, 9 for transcervical fracture, 4 for basicervical fracture. In all cases, operations were performed within 12 hours after the injury. The operations were done after satisfying reduction with the Garden alignment index, with three cannulated screws for internal fixation. Postoperative results were analyzed by clinical symptoms and radiological examinations during follow up periods. RESULTS: In immediately postoperative radiological examination, satisfying anatomical reduction with Garden alignment index was obtained in all cases, and unions were obtained within 4.5 months after the operation (3~6 month). Avascular necrosis of femoral head occurred in 7 cases of all patients (35.0%). The average time of occurrence of avascular necrosis of femoral head after operation was 10.7 months (9~15 months). Avascular necrosis was occutted 5 (31.3%) in fracture without displacement (Garden stage I, II), 2 (50.0%) in fracture with displacement (Garden stage III) and 4 in subcapital fracture, 3 in transcervical fracture. CONCLUSION: The incidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head after the operation for displaced and nondisplaced femoral neck fracture between twenties and forty years was no significant difference.