Femoral head reduction osteoplasty for fracture dislocation: A surgical technique

Femoral head fractures with subchondral impaction and cartilage loss are difficult to treat successfully. Although multiple surgical management options have been described, no one technique has proven superior, particularly in the young high-demand population.

A femoral head reduction osteoplasty was performed following a surgical dislocation of the hip. A peripherally based wedge of bone was resected off the damaged central third of the head followed by reduction and fixation of the remaining fragments. This technique resulted in a smaller yet congruent femoral head.

A healthy 40-year old labourer sustained a traumatic crush injury while at work, resulting in a left femoral head fracture dislocation with an associated posterior wall acetabular fracture. Significant femoral head impaction and cartilage loss limited the treatment options.

Intraoperative reduction and postoperative imaging demonstrated near anatomic reconstruction of femoral head with a congruent hip joint. Superiorly at the level of resection, the medial-lateral diameter was reduced by 5-6mm (approximately 12-15% the diameter of the original head) by the osteoplasty. At five years, Harris Hip Score was 86, Oxford Hip Score 36, and UCLA score 89. Hip abductor strength was full, range of motion near normal, and the patient ambulated without antalgia. Radiographs demonstrate a congruent joint and patchy avascular necrosis without collapse. The patient maintained full employment as a labourer.

Femoral head reduction osteoplasty is a viable option that may produce durable intermediate-term results for complex femoral head fracture with superior impaction and chondral damage.

Level V.