Osteosynthesis with valgus osteotomy in the primary treatment of subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur.

The authors report 25 consecutive cases of subcapital fracture of the neck of the femur treated by osteosynthesis and valgus osteotomy. The results at 3 to 5 years showed bony union in all cases with only 2 cases of ischaemic necrosis (8%). Since this complication is due to vascular damage inflicted at the time of fracture the authors suggest that valgus osteotomy, which is usually only done in cases of pseudarthrosis, is also applicable to recent fractures which have a high risk of non-union.