ABSTRACT
Acute fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common and serious complication of fracture treatment. The clinical symptoms of the patient and the results of the serological, radiological, and histopathologi-cal examinations can be divided into ‘Confirmatory’ criteria and ‘Suggestive’ criteria, allowing for the diagnosis of FRI. Treatment principles can be broadly categorized into (1) the DAIR (Debridement, Antimicrobial therapy, Implant Retention) method and (2) the staged reconstruction method. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the time elapsed after infection, stability of the internal fixation device, reduction status, host physiology, and virulence of the pathogens. Thorough surgical debridement and irrigation, ensuring stability at the fracture site, reconstruction of bone defects, and appropriate soft tissue coverage, along with antibiotic therapy, are essential to suppress or eradicate the infection. The restoration of limb function should be promoted through proper soft tissue coverage and bone union at the fracture site.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSFs) are rare but potentially disabling injuries if the diagnosis is missed or delayed and proper treatment is not provided. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the characteristics and clinical course of FNSFs in South Korean male military recruits. @*Methods@#Between May 2015 and October 2019, 16 fractures in 12 young male military recruits were reviewed. The characteristics of the fractures were ascertained by detailed analysis of the history and clinical course, as well as radiographs, bone scintigrams, and magnetic resonance images. @*Results@#The median duration between endurance training and the development of hip pain was 5 weeks, while the median duration of pain before the patient sought medical attention was 3 weeks. Four patients (33.3%) exhibited bilateral fractures, and concomitant lesions involving the proximal tibia were found in 3 patients (25%). Fourteen of the 16 fractures (87.5%) were compression-type fractures, and surgery was performed for 7 hips. Complete union without malunion or osteonecrosis was achieved in all cases, and all cadets returned to their full activity levels in an average of 10 weeks. @*Conclusions@#We observed excellent prognosis of FNSFs. Our report highlights the importance of early reporting, detection, and treatment regarding the challenging management of FNSFs. When a military recruit reports hip pain, a FNSF should be considered; furthermore, the bilaterality of the fracture and the presence of concomitant lesions should also be investigated.