Four-Year Prospective Evaluation of Femoral Neck Fractures: Types and Complications

Despite the advances in the methods of treating femoral neck fractures, treating some types of these fractures is still challenging. Therefore, understanding these fractures, their treatments, and the ways to control their complications are necessary for the orthopedists. 

In this study, we evaluate patients with acute femoral neck fractures with respect to the type of fractures and complications.

In a 4-year cross-sectional study, the patients with acute femoral neck fractures who were admitted to Rasoul Akram Hospital were selected. Anatomical features and the type of fracture were determined by using plain radiography and CT scan. Fractures were classified according to the Garden classification. The patients were also evaluated for any postoperative complications for at least 6 months.

A total of 124 patients were enrolled. The Mean±SD age of the patients was 64.9±12.7 years and 87 (74.4%) were male. Based on the Garden classification, 7 fractures (5.9%) belonged to type I, 10 fractures (8.5%) to type II, 48 fractures (41%) to type III, and 52 fractures (44.4%) to type IV. Avascular necrosis in 28 cases (23.9%), non-union in 14 cases (12%), and claudication and pain in 35 cases (29.9%) were noted. The mean age of patients was different between fracture groups (P=0.01). 

Our results showed that most of the patients with femoral neck fractures admitted to Rasoul Akram Hospital were associated with displacement. In this study, the most common complications were pain and claudication, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and nonunion. In sum, further displacement of the fracture will result in more complications.