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Stress fractures of the femoral neck and coxa vara

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery volume 123, pages 273–277 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Theoretically, coxa vara substantially modifies the biomechanical conditions of the femoral neck, increasing the effect of direct muscle pull and leading to fatigue of opposing muscle groups; such modifications would appear to favour the appearance of stress fractures.

Methods

We studied 22 stress fractures of the femoral neck, 12 in patients with coxa vara (group A) and 10 in patients with a normal neck-shaft angle (group B), to assess the possible influence of the femoral angle in the production of stress fractures.

Results

Intergroup differences were found for age at the appearance of the fracture (younger patients in the coxa vara group) and symptom duration (longer in group A).

Conclusions

It is suggested that coxa vara predisposes to femoral neck stress-fracture.

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Acknowledgements

To Drs. S. Fuentes, L. Castro and P. Rodriguez. This study complies with the current laws of Spain.

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Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Department, Hospital Universitario 'Reina Sofia', Medicine School, University of Cordoba, Avenida Menendez Pidal S/N 14.004, Cordoba, Spain

    P. Carpintero, F. Leon, M. Zafra, JA Serrano-Trenas & M. Román

  2. C/Mejorana 45, 14.012, Córdoba, Spain

    P. Carpintero

Authors
  1. P. Carpintero
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  2. F. Leon
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  3. M. Zafra
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  4. JA Serrano-Trenas
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  5. M. Román
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Correspondence to P. Carpintero.

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Carpintero, P., Leon, F., Zafra, M. et al. Stress fractures of the femoral neck and coxa vara. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 123, 273–277 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-003-0514-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-003-0514-z

Keywords

  • Stress fracture
  • Coxa vara
  • Hip fracture
  • Insufficiency fracture