85Sr-scintimetry in femoral neck fracture

In 40 patients with fracture of the femoral neck 85Sr scintimetry was performed at the time of nailing and 4 months postoperatively. The fractures were radiographed repeatedly for 5 years; thirteen fractures healed without complications, 22 developed necrosis of the femoral head, and 5 pseudarthrosis. The early isotope measurement did not distinguish between normal and necrosis cases even with detailed analysis. The 4 months activities were high in osteonecrosis and low pseudarthrosis. The latter observation is interpreted as evidence that non-union of a femoral neck fracture is due to severe permanent vascular damage.