[Fixation of fractures of the femoral neck using screws or hook-pins. Radionuclide study and short-term results]

Abstract

In a prospective randomized investigation, AO screws (53 cases) and hook-pins (57 cases) were used for femoral neck fracture fixation in 110 cases. The results of the one-week postoperative scintimetry and a four-month radiographic follow-up were analysed. The femoral head vitality according to scintimetry was similar in the two groups, whether undisplaced or displaced fractures. Within four months from the operation, six cases with screw fixation had been subjected to total hip arthroplasty while only one with hook-pins, all because of fracture redisplacement. However, at the four-month control, another more fracture operated on with screws and five more operated on with hook-pins were scheduled for hip arthroplasty. Thus, no difference between the two methods regarding postoperative femoral head vitality or complications in short term follow-up, was noted.