ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the complication rate and surgical outcome following cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Between 1.6.97 and 31.12.98 we operated on 110 patients with 112 fractures. The mean age was 78.4 years (range 25-96 years). Mean follow up was 6.8 months (range 3-16 months). The mortality rate was 22.7% (25/110). 60 patients with 61 fractures could be evaluated for complications, reoperations, pain and walking ability. 68.9% of the fractures healed. Avascular necrosis developed in 18%. Non-union rate was 8.2% and redislocation rate 4.9%. 18 patients needed a second operation, two thirds received an arthroplasty and one third had implant removal or replacement. In 81.6% of the patients (the patients with secondary arthroplasty excluded) pain relief was good. Insufficient reduction and malposition of the screws are the most common causes for failure of cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures in the elderly.
