Valgus Osteotomy versus Arthroplasty for Ununited Femoral Neck Fractures: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Fractures of the neck of femur in young adults tend, unlike their counterparts in older people, to be a relatively higher energy injury and require timely and meticulous diagnosis and management. Anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation are essentials for achieving the goals of treatment in this young population allowing preservation of the femoral head while minimizing rates of non-union and osteonecrosis. Aim of the Work The aim of this systematic review is to collate evidence from comparative studies to look for significant differences between valgas osteotomy &arthroplasty in non united femoral neck fractures in < 50yr old patients. Patients and Methods Only studies with Randomized controlled trials and comparative non controlled trials had been included. The study included Valgas osteotomy & arthroplasty for ununited femoral neck fractures. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria to study Abstracts yielded 11articles. The full-text articles for these 40 studies were then reviewed and subjected to our inclusion criteria. A total of 11 articles were eligible for final systematic review. Results There was improvement in Harris hip score in all included studies ranged from 79.8 to 95. In comparison between two groups, groups with THA had significantly higher Harris hip score than osteotomy score. In this review reoperation and infection were common among osteotomy group than total hip arthroplasty group. Conclusion Although non-union problems following femoral neck fractures are common, the primary objective is to preserve the hip, by seeking alternative methods, specifically in young patients, and considering that the femoral neck can usually remain viable. Therefore, alternatives such as valgus osteotomy, which enables union by solving mechanical issues and allows patients to live with their own bones, have long been in use and successful Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy is the treatment of choice for active patients aged less than 50 years with a nonunion of a femoral neck fracture. This technique requires precise preoperative planning and intraoperative skill. Patients should be warned of the risk of avascular necrosis, as well as the difficulty in performing revision arthroplasty in this setting.