Outcomes of Femoral Neck System Procedures in a Major Trauma Centre.

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Abstract

Conflict of interest statement: Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. 19. Cureus. 2023 Jul 5;15(7):e41391. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41391. eCollection 2023 Jul. Complications and Outcomes of the Internal Fixation of Non-displaced Femoral Neck Fracture in Old Patients: A Two-Year Follow-Up. Abdallatif AG(1), Sharma A(2), Mahmood T(3), Aslam N(1). Author information: (1)Trauma and Orthopaedics, Worcester Royal Hospital, Worcester, GBR. (2)Trauma and Orthopaedics, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Cambridgeshire, GBR. (3)Trauma and Orthopaedics, Worcestershire Acute Trust, Worcester, GBR. Background Fractures of the proximal femur are amongst the most common injuries in the elderly population. While there is a clear consensus regarding the management of displaced femoral neck fractures, the management of non-displaced fractures is less clear. Both fixation and arthroplasty are valid treatment options. Internal fixation is a less invasive procedure, but it carries the risks of non-union and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. The literature describes varying complication rates associated with these risks. We aim to describe a series of elderly patients above the age of 65 years with non-displaced fractures of the femoral neck who were treated with internal fixation. Our objectives are to determine the union rate and complications in this group and to elucidate the factors that influence these outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients aged 65 years and older who presented with femoral neck fractures at our level 1 trauma unit between 2018 and 2020. Fractures were classified using the Garden classification system, and only those with Garden 1 or 2 fractures (non-displaced) were included. Preoperative radiographs or intraoperative fluoroscopy images were used to classify fractures using the Pauwels classification. Serial postoperative radiographs and clinical notes (up to 24 months postoperatively) were reviewed to assess the union rate and the development of complications. Both non-union and AVN were analysed for their associations with age, sex, Pauwels grade and comorbidities. A subgroup analysis of the complications was performed to elucidate their association with age groups (80 years) and types of fixations (dynamic hip screws {DHS} and cannulated screws). Results A total of 148 patients, consisting of 60 males and 88 females, were included in the analysis. The patients had a mean age of 78.5 years (ranging from 65 to 98 years). The union rate without any degree of AVN was 90.7%, with six non-unions (4.05%) and six patients experiencing AVN (4.05%). No difference in outcome was detected between the two groups based on age. High (type 2 or 3) Pauwels grade (p = 0.05) and treatment with cannulated screws (p = 0.02) were indicated as significant factors for non-union. All patients who developed AVN were noted to have a comorbidity that is known to predispose them to AVN. Conclusion Our series shows a union rate of 90.7%, which is comparable to the union rates reported in other published literature. Our results suggest that age does not independently influence the outcome of fixation for these fractures. We conclude that fractures with vertical orientation (Pauwels grade 2 or 3), when treated with cannulated screws, are more likely to result in non-union. AVN is the second most common complication after non-union, which is also associated with other risk factors for AVN. Copyright © 2023, Abdallatif et al. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41391 PMCID: PMC10401487