A comparative study of 30 cases of fracture neck femur in young adult patients treated with partially threaded cannulated screw versus fully threaded cannulated screws

ABSTRACT

Background: Fracture neck femur (FNF) is important due to its high incidence in general population. In younger patients, trauma is the major cause of fracture neck femur. Displaced fractures are usually treated by fixation with partially threaded cannulated screws (PTS) placed in a parallel pattern. In the present study, we have explored the use of fully threaded cannulated screws (FTS) for fixation of fracture neck of femur. Aim and Objectives: The aim of our study was to analyze and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of fracture neck femur treated in both groups. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized control analysis was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics of Rajindra Hospital and Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab between June 2019 and December 2021 on 30 patients who were admitted with neck femur fracture in the age group between 15 and 60 years. Fifteen patients were treated with FTS and 15 were treated with PTS. Subsequent hip radiographs were taken postoperatively and analyzed for various parameters such as fracture fixation, fracture union, and reduction. Regular follow-up was done by clinical examination along with the radiological examination monthly for 3 months, then at 6th month, and 9th month. The functional outcomes of fracture neck femur treated with PTS and FTS were compared in terms of blood loss, radiological union, weight bearing, functional outcomes (in terms of Harris hip score), and post-operative complications. Results: Hip function on the operated side was evaluated and compared with the normal side as per Harris hip score. About 73.3% of patients with FTS group in this study had excellent results compared to 26.6% in PTS group, fair results were found in 13.3% in both groups, 6.6% of patients had good results with FTS group as compared to 13.3% of PTS group, and 6.6% had poor outcome with FTS group as compared to 46.6% with PTS group. In our study, mean Harris hip score was 76.6 in PTS group and 85.5 in FTS group (P = 0.044). The present study indicated that there were statistically significant differences between FTS and PTS in terms of functional outcomes and complication rates such as femoral neck shortening (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in terms of blood loss, weight bearing, and fracture union time were observed between two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: FNF treated with FTS is superior than PTS in terms of functional outcomes and complication rates. Both FTS and PTS are equivalent in terms of average blood loss, weight bearing, and fracture union time.