Femoral head fracture without hip dislocation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Radiology

Background:

• Femoral head fractures without dislocation are exceptionally rare.
• Isolated injuries lack standardized classification systems.
• High-energy trauma is a common cause of complex hip fractures.

Observation:

• A 36-year-old male presented with a neglected comminuted femoral head fracture without dislocation, one year post-road traffic accident.
• The patient experienced significant hip pain and impaired weight-bearing capacity (Harris hip score of 39).
• Initial presentation was delayed, complicating the management of this rare injury.

Findings:

• Cementless total hip replacement was performed, achieving excellent functional outcomes.
• The patient demonstrated a remarkable recovery with a Harris hip score of 95 at 2.3-year follow-up.
• This case represents one of the few documented instances of isolated femoral head fracture.

Implications:

• Highlights the extreme rarity and diagnostic challenges of isolated femoral head fractures.
• Proposes a novel classification system for these unique injuries.
• Emphasizes the potential for successful surgical management and functional recovery in neglected cases.