Axial malalignment in femoral neck fractures. An experimental study.

Varus, valgus, and retroversion-anteversion displacements of femoral neck fractures are easily identified on standard AP and lateral radiographs, but rotational malalignments are frequently overlooked. Alterations of the normal appearance of the trabecular systems will indicate rotatory malalignments. A misleading picture of what seems to be severe osteoporosis may actually be due to malrotation and disappearance of the normal trabecular pattern on radiograph.