Fixation using cannulated screws and fibular strut grafts for fresh femoral neck fractures with posterior comminution.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of fibular grafting for fresh femoral neck fractures with posterior comminution.

METHODS: 18 women and 15 men aged 20 to 60 years underwent osteosynthesis and fibular strut grafting supplemented with 7.0-mm cannulated hip screws for Garden grades III (n=21) and IV (n=12) femoral neck fractures associated with posterior comminution. All fractures were reduced by closed methods, and no hip was aspirated. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean delay in presentation after injury was 3.2 (range, 1-12) days. The mean delay in operation was 8.8 (range, 5-21) days. The mean follow-up period was 2 (range, 1-4) years. According to the Harris hip score, outcome was good to excellent in 20 patients, fair in 7, and poor in 6. 27 of the 33 patients achieved bone union after a mean of 4.7 (range, 4.2-7) months. In 5 patients, the bone was united with a mean of 10º of varus collapse and a mean of 1 cm of shortening. Six patients had non-union. Other complications included screw migration in the joint space (n=1), graft migration into the joint space (n=3), and screw pullout (n=5). No patient had avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

CONCLUSION: Osteosynthesis and fibular grafting for freshly displaced femoral neck fractures with posterior comminution is an inexpensive and technically less demanding procedure for retaining a stable, painless, mobile, and functional hip.