Intracapsular hip fractures: case reports and discussion

Two cases of intracapsular hip fracture illustrate some of the treatment options available for Garden Stage IV fractures. In Case 1, a prosthesis was chosen because of the patient's physiologic age and poor general health. In Case 2, a compression screw augmented with a single-pin fixation to prevent rotation was used. This patient, although only 3 years younger than the first patient, was in good health. Although there was some posterior comminution, an attempt at fixation, allowing time for bone healing, was appropriate. Arthroplasty may be needed in several years if bone healing fails.