Outcomes of Displaced, Comminuted, Intracapsular Neck Femur Fracture in Young Adults Managed with Three Screw...

Three cannulated cancellous screws (CCS) inverted triangle configuration is considered to be the gold standard for management of displaced intracapsular neck femur (ICNF) fractures in young adults. However, some authors have recommended four CCS in diamond configuration in the presence of comminution. However, there are no comparative studies to assess the superiority of one over the other. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of displaced, comminuted, ICNF fracture in young adults managed with three screw inverted triangle versus four screw diamond configuration CCS fixation.

Twenty-three patients (group I) with displaced comminuted ICNF fractures were managed with three CCS fixation in inverted triangle fashion between October 2014 and October 2015 and were followed up for a mean duration of 33.5 months (range 25-38 months). Twenty-five patients (group II) with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria were managed with four CCS in diamond configuration between October 2013 and October 2014 and followed up for a mean duration of 33.3 months (range 25-38 months). Radiological outcomes of these patients were compared in terms of union rates and avascular necrosis, while functional outcome was measured by Harris Hip Score (HHS) at a minimum of 24 months.

Nineteen patients of group I and 20 patients of group II were available for final follow-up. Mean union time in group I was 15 weeks (12-24 weeks), while in group II, it was 14 weeks (12-24 weeks). There was total of four (4/19) cases of non-union in group I, while it was two (2/20) cases in group II. One patient (1/19) developed avascular necrosis in group I, while two (2/20) developed the same in group II. In group I, the mean HHS was 87.3 (range 84-94) points, while in group II, mean HHS was 93.5 (range 78-96) points.

There is no difference in the clinical and radiological outcomes following three screw inverted triangle or four screw diamond configuration CCS fixation of displaced comminuted ICNF fracture in young adults. Thus, we conclude that both three screw inverted triangle or four screw diamond configuration CCS fixation are effective treatment modalities for fracture neck femur with comminution and in the absence of larger studies and long-term follow-up the superiority of one over the other cannot be recommended.