Treatment of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly

J Trauma. 2005 May;58(5):1035-9; discussion 1039. doi: 10.1097/01.ta.0000169292.83048.17.

Abstract

Background: While the treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly (Garden types III and IV) is quite clear, the procedure for impacted or undisplaced femoral neck fractures (Garden types I and II) is still a subject of controversy.

Methods: Thirty-seven (all >80 years old) patients with undisplaced femoral neck fractures were treated with osteosynthesis by cannulated screws fixation. The clinical outcomes were followed up retrospectively for at least two years.

Results: The overall union rate was 94.59% (35 patients) at 6 months after primary internal fixation. The overall success rate was 83.78% (31 patients), and the overall failure rate was 16.22% (6 patients).

Conclusions: Osteosynthesis with cannulated screws fixation is a simple, safe, economical, and reasonably effective procedure for the treatment of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in patients older than 80 years.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Screws
  • Female
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / complications
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Fracture Healing
  • Frail Elderly*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain / diagnosis
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome