Nonunion following valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy for neglected femoral neck fracture: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Femoral neck fractures account for roughly half of the two million hip fractures that occur each year worldwide. There is a high rate of neglected cases and potential complications such as nonunion or avascular necrosis (AVN) in developing countries. More than 30 % of patients may experience non-union following a femoral fracture. There is no consensus on the best neglected femoral neck fracture treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old female known case of rheumatoid arthritis came with a neglected femoral neck fracture to our center. We salvaged the viable hip by subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and fixation by angled blade plate (ABP). After eight months, she returned with left hip pain and nonunion of the fracture and osteotomy sites. We refixed the fracture with a longer ABP together with autografting of both sites. After two years, she had complete union, full hip range of motion, and painless ambulation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy is susceptible to nonunion especially in patients with medical comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Careful selection of osteotomy site and appropriate fixation device might prevent of non-union.