The relationship between femoral neck fracture in adult and avascular necrosis and nonunion: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND: One of the most serious sequelae of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) is avascular necrosis (AVN), and this complication translates to significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the etiologies and management of FNFs at our institution and the development of AVN or nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective medical chart review of all adult patients admitted and managed for FNF. RESULTS: There were a total of 69 FNF patients reviewed. FNF was caused by a fall in 37 patients (53.6%), a road traffic accident in 16 (23.2%), motorcycle and motorbike accidents in 8 (11.6%), and heavy exercise in 8 (11.6%). Twenty-four patients (34.8%) had fixation within 24 h of injury, and 45 (65.2%) went more than 24 h before fixation. The mean RUSH score at 6 months was 21.4 ± 5.1. There were 4 patients (5.8%) with a collapsed FNF and 4 patients (5.8%) had a nonunion FNF. AVN was documented in 12 patients (17.4%). Of the 12 patients who had AVN, 8 (66.7%) received fixation within 24 h from the time of the injury, whereas only 4 (33.3%) received fixation more than 24 h after the injury. There was a significant negative correlation between the time of fixation and AVN. CONCLUSION: We report a 17.4% incidence of AVN over 10 years in patients managed with FNF. AVN was found to be significantly correlated with the mode of injury (fall and RTA among younger male patients).