Comparative study of multiple cancellous screws versus sliding hip screws in femoral neck fractures of young adults

PURPOSE: Both cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) and sliding hip screw (SHS) are used in femoral neck fracture fixations, but which is superior is yet to be determined. This study was aimed to compare the clinicoradiological outcome of femoral neck fracture treated with SHS or CCS in young adults. METHODS: Adults (16–60 years) with femoral neck fracture were divided into Group 1 fixed with SHS and Group 2 fixed with three CCS after closed reduction. Pain relief, functional recovery and postoperative radiographs at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and then yearly for upto 4 years were analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 (n = 40) achieved radiological union at mean of 7.6 months, with the union rate of 87.5% (n = 35), avascular necrosis (AVN) rate of 7.5% (n = 3) and mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) of 86.15 at the end of 4 years. In Group 2 (n = 45) these parameters were union at 7.1 months, union rate of 82.22% (n = 37), AVN rate of 6.67% (n = 3) and HHS of 88.65. Comparative results were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in clinicoradiological outcome between the two implants.