Comparative outcomes of in-situ fixation and fixation after reduction in geriatric patients with severe valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures: a retrospective multicenter (TRON group) study.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between in situ fixation and fixation after reduction of severe valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures in patients aged 65 years or older. This was a multicenter retrospective study of 561 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for femoral neck fracture. From this population, we selected patients aged 65 years and older with severe valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures characterized by a Garden alignment index greater than 15 degrees compared to that on the non-injury side. After exclusion criteria were applied, the study included 92 patients who were categorized into two groups: in situ fixation group (n = 56) and fixation after reduction group (n = 36). Our analysis covered patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative complications, radiographic evaluations, Numeric Rating Scale for pain, and Parker's Mobility Score for clinical outcomes. Bone union was achieved in all patients. The incidence of avascular necrosis was consistent between the groups. Patients in the reduction group reported lower Numeric Rating Scale scores (mean: 0 vs 2, p = 0.003) and higher Parker's Mobility Score scores (mean: 7 vs 6, p = 0.009) compared with the in situ group. Radiographically, the reduction group showed significantly lower femoral neck shortening (mean: 4.75 mm vs 5.75 mm, p = 0.049) and a reduced length of cannulated cancellous screw backout (mean: 3.4 mm vs 5.4 mm, p = 0.007) at the final follow-up. Fixation after reduction for severe valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures in patients aged 65 and above appears to be a safe and effective approach.