Effect of the combination of Huoxue Busui decoction and hollow screw internal fixation on treatment of femoral neck fractures

Purpose: To determine the effect of Huoxue Busui decoction plus hollow screw internal fixation in adolescent and middle-aged patients with fractures of the femoral neck. Methods: 56 patients receiving treatment for fracture with hollow screw internal fixation in the emergency rapid diagnosis and treatment channel of Dongying People's Hospital, China from April 2015 to January 2023 were randomly assigned to study and control groups. The two groups received hollow screw internal fixation and conventional drug therapy, but in addition, control group were given Huoxue Busui decoction 2 days after surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS), hip efficacy score and hip flexor- extension range of motion pre- and post-operation were analyzed. Results: Preoperative VAS score and postoperative garden alignment index (GAI) of fracture reduction were comparable in the two groups. The VAS scores of control group at 5 days, 7 days, 1 month and 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than study group (p < 0.05). Fracture healing time was shorter in study group. At the last follow-up, there was no case of fracture non-union in control group. However, there were 2 cases of nail withdrawal and 1 case of femoral head necrosis. In contrast, study group had 1 instance of non-union, 3 instances of nail removal and 4 instances of femoral head necrosis. Conclusion: Huoxue Busui decoction combined with hollow screw internal fixation improved femoral neck fracture in young and middle-aged patients and promotes fracture healing after surgery and effectively improves joint function of patients. However, longer follow-up time, and in-depth study of the mechanism of action of this combination will be required.