Minimally invasive open reduction combined with proximal femoral hollow locking plate in the treatment of Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the clinical effects of minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation with a proximal femoral hollow locking plate on Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 45 patients aged 32.0 ± 8.1 years (range, 19–45 years) with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures treated from March 2012 to August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent anterolateral minimally invasive open reduction and proximal femoral hollow locking plate fixation of the hip joint. Garden’s index was used to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction. Complications and fracture healing were recorded in all patients. At the last follow-up, the functional outcome was recorded using the Harris hip score. RESULTS: No complications such as femoral neck shortening, internal fixation loosening, or refracture occurred. However, three patients required reoperation (one with nonunion and two with femoral head necrosis). At the last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 92.1 ± 4.5 (range, 76–98). The rate of excellent and good Harris hip scores was 93.3%. CONCLUSION: The herein-described strategy for Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures is advantageous in terms of high reduction quality, firm fixation, and prevention of neck shortening.