Intracapsular Fractures of the Hip

M Swiontkowski

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1100845

Abstract

The author reviews aspects of anatomy and physiology, especially vascularization and pathophysiology, as well as mechanisms of injury that influence the treatment decision for intracapsular fractures of the hip. A number of other factors that may influence surgeons’ choice between treatments are discussed, such as age, displacement, limited life expectancy, chronic disease, and poor bone quality. Avascular necrosis and other complications are also reviewed. Consensus at the time of this article’s publication was that the best treatment for intracapsular hip fractures results in fracture healing, the patient retaining their own femoral head, and the absence of avascular necrosis.

Highlights

Doubtful case, so that the j>atient may be impressed with the difficulty and the responsibility for a mistake may be shared
The diagnosis of intracapsular fracture of the neck of the femur is fully discussed in an article appearing in International Clinics and written by the late Thomas H
With regard to the direction of the blow, he states that in more than 150 cases of intracapsular fractures coming under his own care in hospital and in private practice, in 110 single instance was the injury produced by force transmitted from the foot or knee

Summary

Introduction

Doubtful case, so that the j>atient may be impressed with the difficulty and the responsibility for a mistake may be shared. The diagnosis of intracapsular fracture of the neck of the femur is fully discussed in an article appearing in International Clinics (vol ii., 1905) and written by the late Thomas H. With regard to the direction of the blow, he states that in more than 150 cases of intracapsular fractures coming under his own care in hospital and in private practice, in 110 single instance was the injury produced by force transmitted from the foot or knee.

Results

Conclusion