Appropriate management of femoral neck fractures in Nepal

The management of femoral neck fractures in the Third World has always been a problem. Its management in Nepal reflects the level of available treatments for other orthopaedic conditions, as well as for medical care in general. The most successful methods of fracture treatment have remained the simple ones, consistent with the available resources. Adherence to this philosophy of management, carried out with attention to the needs of the people, reduces the incidence of iatrogenic complications. Six years of experience in the management of femoral neck fractures by traction, plaster, McMurray's osteotomy, modified Girdlestone's excision arthroplasty and Austin Moore prosthetic replacement have been reviewed, along with the relevant literature. Non-operative management has been found to be the most satisfactory method of treatment when related to the overall medical resources in Nepal.