Complications of fractures of the femoral neck.

The results of a series of 82 medial femoral neck fractures are presented. Complications arose in 34% of 24 non-operated impacted fractures (17% redisplacement, 17% necrosis of the femoral head). 58 patients were treated with a sliding screw plate device (Zimmer). The Garden stage I and II fractures united uneventfully. Out of a total of 52 Garden stage III and IV fractures, 14 (27%) had to be reoperated with total hip arthroplasty, due to redisplacement or necrosis of the femoral head. All redisplacements occurred in cases of unsuccessful reduction, indicating that quality of reduction is the prime determinant with regard to redisplacement. As all Garden stage I and II fractures, and 73% of the Garden stage III and IV fractures united, the material points at the gliding screw plate device as a most recommendable treatment in femoral neck fractures.