Free fibular graft augmentation in delayed fixation of fracture neck of femur in young adults

Abstract

Introduction: This clinical study was conducted to assess the long-term follow-up results of using free fibular graft to augment fracture fixation with cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) or dynamic hip screw (DHS) as a treatment option for femoral neck fractures in young adults who presented after 24 h of injury but within 3 weeks. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted on the patients of femoral neck fractures managed with multiple cancellous screws or DHS with fibular graft. Patients aged between 15 and 50 years and having Garden Type III or IV fracture with duration of injury >3 weeks were included in the study. They were assessed for radiological outcome and functional outcome using modified Harris hip score. Results: Twenty-two cases were operated between day 2 and day 21 after sustaining injury. The mean time of union was 3.4 months. Nineteen fractures united uneventfully. Two fractures went in for nonunion and one developed avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. According to Harris hip score, 14 patients scored “excellent,” three patients scored “good,” three scored “fair,” and “poor” score was recorded in two patients. Conclusions: Delay in surgery as a contributing factor for the development of complications in fracture neck of femur cannot be ruled out with the present literature available. Using a free fibular graft as an adjunct to implant construct helps in reducing the rates of nonunion and AVN. However, this cannot be a substitute for proper surgical precision that is required in the treatment of fracture neck of femur. Further prospective studies involving large sample size are required.