Scintimetric evaluation of nailed femoral neck fractures with special reference to type of osteosynthesis

Abstract

With the aid of Tc-MDP-scintimetry 1-2 weeks after nailing of femoral neck fractures, it is possible to distinguish fractures liable to complications. Due to the suspicion that frequent peroperative vascular damage was caused by the four-flanged nail (Rydell), a less traumatizing cylindric nail (Hansson) with an insertion instrument was used. In a prospective investigation in January 1981-February 1982, which included all intracapsular femoral neck fractures, the two above-mentioned methods of osteosynthesis were used randomly. Intravital staining with tetracycline showed the peroperative circulation equivalent in Rydell and Hansson groups. A significant difference in postoperative isotope uptake could be noted between the two groups in 37 patients with undisplaced fractures. In 34 of 45 displaced fractures in the Rydell group evidence of circulatory deficiency appeared in the postoperative scintimetry but in only 23 of 52 of the displaced fractures in the Hansson group, a statistically significant difference. The latter figure corresponds well to the incidence of peroperatively registered severe vascular injury evaluated by tetracycline labelling.