Osteosynthesis and primary valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy in displaced intracapsular fracture neck of femur with osteoporosis in adults

Fifty-three adults sustaining intracapsular femoral neck fractures (subcapital 38 and transcervical 15) with osteoporosis were treated primarily by osteosynthesis with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. Final evaluation was done in 50 patients (1 patient died and 2 lost to follow up, were not considered). Union was achieved in 47 (94%) patients in an average period of 12.2 weeks (range 10-18 weeks) with 100% union at osteotomy site. An axial collapse between 2 and 14 mm was observed in 74% of patients at the fracture site. Average neck shaft angle achieved was 141degrees. Retroversion of the femoral head was seen in 28% of patients postoperatively, but none demonstrated a further posterior tilt of proximal femoral fragment, thus preventing implant cut through. One of the four patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head exhibited late segmental collapse between 98 and 171 weeks. Final results were excellent to good in 76% of patients (average hip score 92), fair in 18% (average Harris hip score 73) and poor in 6% (average Harris hip score 30). Deep infection in 2%, superficial infection in 4%, implant penetration into the joint in 4%, limb length discrepancy in 6% and external rotation in 68% were other complications. Primary osteosynthesis with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy is a dependable procedure to provide stable fixation in fresh fractures of the neck of femur with osteoporosis. The potential benefit of retaining a viable biologic joint justifies the usefulness of this procedure. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.