Internal fixation of femoral neck stress fractures in young female athletes with a dynamic locking plate.

PURPOSE

Displaced stress fractures of the femoral neck in young female athletes are a rare but a difficult injury to treat with a favourable outcome, as there is a reported high incidence of avascular necrosis. Traditionally they are internally fixed with either cannulated screws or a sliding hip screw. Our study aims to highlight the Targon Femoral Neck (FN, B-Braun, Aesculap Inc, Germany) implant as a safe alternative for fixation of these injuries.

METHODS

Three consecutive young female recreational athletes were reviewed from our institution with a displaced stress fracture of the femoral neck treated with the dynamic locking plate.

RESULTS

Two patients achieved good results with full union and no complications. One patient had a poor result as she developed avascular necrosis 5 months post-operatively requiring revision to a total hip arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the Targon FN implant is a safe alternative for internal fixation of displaced stress fractures of the femoral neck in young female recreational athletes.