Postoperative Valgus Deformity and Progression of Ostheoarthritis in Non-Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures.

Purpose: Nondisplaced femoral neck fractures have traditionally been treated with in situ fixation. However, poor surgical and clinical outcomes have been reported for fractures with valgus deformity >15°, and the reduction of valgus impaction has recently been emphasized. In addition, early degenerative osteoarthritis can be caused by cam-type femoroacetabular impingement after healing of femoral neck fractures. This study was designed with the objective of confirming the difference in progression of radiographic osteoarthritis according to the severity of the valgus deformity.

Materials and methods: Patients who underwent internal fixation using multiple cannulateld screws for management of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures were divided into two groups: high valgus group (postoperative valgus angle ≥15°) and low valgus group (postoperative valgus angle <15°). Evaluation of demographic data and changes in the joint space width from the immediate postoperative period to the latest follow-up was performed.

Results: A significant decrease in joint space width in both hip joints was observed in the high valgus group when compared with the low valgus group, including cases with an initial valgus angle less than 15° and those corrected to less than 15° of valgus by reduction. No complications requiring surgical treatment were observed in either group; however, two cases of avascular necrosis, one in each group, which developed in the low valgus group after reduction of the fracture, were followed for observation.

Conclusion: Performing in situ fixation in cases involving a valgus deformity ≥15° in non-displaced femoral neck fractures may cause accelerated narrowing of the hip joint space.