The Neglected Femoral Neck Fracture in Young Adults: Review of a Challenging Problem

Abstract

A neglected femoral neck fracture is one where there has been a delay of more than 30 days to seek medical help from the time of the original injury. Among the spectrum of femoral neck fractures, the neglected fracture in a young adult (age <60 years) is one of the most challenging to treat if femoral head salvage is attempted. The main complication is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head with most reported incidences being <15% (range 0% to 67%), which is similar to the complication rate with non-neglected femoral neck fractures. This review consolidates our current knowledge about the problem, discusses the various treatment options and compares the published long-term results. There are no clear guidelines for management of neglected femoral neck fractures, although multiple methods have been used with varying success. Bone grafting or internal fixation in isolation does not provide a satisfactory outcome. Osteotomy has given better outcomes (AVN 6% to 17%, non-union 0% to 15%), but mechanical changes at the femoral neck may lead to a persistent painful hip. Bone grafting with internal fixation has emerged as a reliable method with good long-term functional outcomes.