Treatment of femoral neck fracture by cannulated compression screws

AIM: To investigate the clinical result, indications and the optimum operation manners of using cannulated compression screws in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 84 patients with femoral neck fractures treated by closed reduction, small skin incision and internal fixation by cannulated compression screws. We observed the postoperative complications and evaluated the functional outcomes of the hip joint according to Harris Hip Score(HHS). RESULTS: The follow up period ranged from 1.5 to 7 years with a mean of 3.7 years. No wound infection, deep venous thrombosis of leg and breakage of internal fixation occurred and no patient died of the operation. The latest follow up found that 8 of the 84 patients developed different degrees of osteonecrosis and 4 patients had nonunion of the fracture. The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 91.8 in patients who had no complications. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction, small skin incision and internal fixation with cannulated compression screws is an effective, safe and inexpensive method of minimal invasion and good internal fixation in treating femoral neck fracture. This method can be used for any types of femoral neck fracture in patients below 70 who have no severe osteoporosis.