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Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 3/2017

Open Access 01-09-2017 | Original Article

Management and radiographic outcomes of femoral head fractures

Authors: John A. Scolaro, Geoffrey Marecek, Reza Firoozabadi, James C. Krieg, Milton Lee “Chip” Routt

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Background

Femoral head fractures are uncommon injuries. Small series constitute the majority of the available literature. Surgical approach and fracture management is variable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, method of treatment, and outcomes of consecutive femoral head fractures at a regional academic Level I trauma center.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of a prospective database was performed over a 13-year period. All AO/OTA 31C femoral head fractures were identified. A surgical approach and fixation method was recorded. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed for patients with 6 months or greater follow-up. Radiographs were evaluated for fixation failure, heterotopic ossification (HO), avascular necrosis (AVN) and post-traumatic arthritis.

Results

We identified 164 fractures in 163 patients; 147 fractures were available for review. Treatment was operative reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in 78 (53.1%), fragment excision in 37 (25.1%) and non-operative in 28 (19%). An anterior approach and mini-fragment screws were used in the majority of patients treated with fixation. Sixty-nine fractures had follow-up greater than 6 months. Sixty-two fractures (89.9%) proceeded to uneventful union. All Pipkin III fractures failed operative fixation. Six patients developed AVN, seven patients had a known conversion to hip arthroplasty; HO developed in 28 (40.6%) patients and rarely required excision.

Conclusions

Fractures of the femoral head are rare. An anterior approach can be used for fragment excision or fixation using mini-fragment screws. Pipkin III fractures represent catastrophic injuries. Non-bridging, asymptomatic HO is common. AVN and posttraumatic degenerative disease of the hip occur but are uncommon.

Level of evidence

IV—prognostic.
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Metadata
Title
Management and radiographic outcomes of femoral head fractures
Authors
John A. Scolaro
Geoffrey Marecek
Reza Firoozabadi
James C. Krieg
Milton Lee “Chip” Routt
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1590-9921
Electronic ISSN: 1590-9999
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-017-0445-z

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