Neglected fractured neck of the femur: a predictive classification and treatment by osteosynthesis.

Abstract

A prospective study of 236 patients with neglected femoral neck fractures was done to determine the usefulness of a preoperative classification based on the radiologic changes that occur at the site of the fracture. Thirty-four patients were observed in Group I, 125 patients were observed in Group II, and nine patients were observed in Group III. One-hundred sixty-eight patients (71.2%) were treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with cancellous screw and free fibular graft. The fracture union was achieved in all 34 patients of Group I. Union was achieved in 111 (88.8%) of 125 patients in Group II, and it was achieved in three (33.3%) of nine patients in Group III. In 143 (96.6%) of 148 successfully treated patients, the hip joint remained clinically asymptomatic with normal radiological union. One-way analysis of variance showed a good predictive value of the above classification with the results achieved by osteosynthesis. A good interobserver agreement also was seen in all three groups. We concluded that the classification is of use in the preoperative evaluation of neglected fractures of the neck of femur. For a successful osteosynthesis, the femoral head should be viable, with the size of the proximal fragment at least 2.5 cm long.