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Low reoperation rate after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures with the femoral neck system (FNS)

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Operative fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) remains challenging. Complications are not infrequent, especially in displaced patterns. Numerous fixation techniques have been previously described in the literature; however, there remains a paucity of data regarding outcomes of these injuries treated with the femoral neck system (FNS).

Methods

Patients with a displaced FNF (OTA/AO 31B) treated with the FNS at a single level 1 academic trauma center between 1/1/2019 and 1/1/2023 were identified. Radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture displacement, location, and characteristics. Patient records were further reviewed to assess for complications, reoperations, and osseous union.

Results

Forty-three patients (65% male) with 44 FNFs were identified with a mean age of 35.0 years (range, 13–61 years). Two patients developed a deep infection requiring surgical debridement, four patients underwent a total hip arthroplasty, and one patient underwent a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for nonunion. There were three cases of femoral head AVN. Mean follow-up was 482.5 days among all patients, and 36 fractures had at least 6 months of follow-up or reached bony union.

Conclusions

Here, we present a series of patients treated with the FNS for internal fixation and report a 18% reoperation rate. This is lower than the average rate that has been previously reported in similar patient populations in the literature treated with alternative methods of internal fixation. Thus, the FNS appears to be a safe and effective option for treatment of these injuries.

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Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid, Campus Box 8233, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Mitchel R. Obey

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Christian G. Falgons, Jonathan G. Eastman, Andrew M. Choo, Timothy S. Achor, John W. Munz & Stephen J. Warner

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  1. Mitchel R. Obey
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  2. Christian G. Falgons
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Correspondence to Mitchel R. Obey.

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Investigation performed at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

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Obey, M.R., Falgons, C.G., Eastman, J.G. et al. Low reoperation rate after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures with the femoral neck system (FNS). Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-024-03962-2

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