Comparison analysis of the operative treatment results of the femoral neck fractures using side-plate and compression screw and cannulated AO screws

Abstract

Introduction: Femoral neck fractures are among the most frequent and the most dangerous types of musculoskeletal injuries in the elderly population. There is general agreement that because of the morphology of the fracture, internal fixation is the treatment of choice irrespective of the degree of displacement. The optimal surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures remains controversial despite constant progress in the surgical management of such fractures and still remains a serious therapeutic problem. The goal of the present study was to compare the outcome in patients who underwent surgery of femoral neck fractures with AO screws; a compression screw and a side-plate; and a compression screw and a side-plate with an additional AO screw.

Material and methods: The study group included 112 patients who underwent surgery for femoral neck fracture with the use of AO screws; a compression screw and a side-plate; and compression screw and a side-plate with an additional AO screw, at the Orthopaedic Department at Vendsyssel Hospital, Hjörring, Northern Orthopaedic Division, Denmark, between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2005. Garden's classification was used to classify femoral neck fractures. Implant position and fracture reduction were categorised according to recommendations by Tornkvist and Lindequist.

Results and conclusions: Irrespective of fracture morphology, compression screw and side-plate fixation provides better stabilisation to the bony fragments and improves early mobilisation in comparison with AO screws.