Four Screws Diamond Configuration Fixation for Displaced, Comminuted Intracapsular Fracture Neck Femur in Young Adults

BACKGROUND: Four cannulated cancellous screws (CCS) in diamond configuration have been recommended by some authors for fixation of intracapsular neck of femur (ICNF) fracture with posterior comminution in adults. This is also supported by biomechanical studies. However, the clinical usefulness of this biomechanical advantage is not known. This study evaluates the outcomes of displaced, comminuted ICNF fracture in young adults managed by four CCS fixation in diamond configuration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients who met the inclusion criteria were operated during the study period. Four patients were lost to followup in the first 6 weeks postoperatively, and one patient died in first 6 months of followup unrelated to surgery. Thus, twenty patients were followed up for a mean period of 33.3 months (range 25–38 months). In all patients, fracture fixation was done with four CCS in diamond configuration. Union at fracture site and avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head was assessed on serial plain radiographs. Functional outcome was evaluated by Harris hip score. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had union, two patients had nonunion, and two patients had AVN of femoral head. All the sixteen patients who had union without AVN had good or excellent functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that four CCS fixation in diamond configuration appears to be a reasonable choice of fixation for displaced fracture ICNF with comminution in young adults. However, further evaluation with better study design and larger patient population is required for definite conclusions.