Unusual outcomes of neck of femur fractures: from acetabulisation of the femur to ankylosis of the femoral head

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the possible outcomes of intracapsular femoral neck fractures managed non-operatively or with a simple form of internal fixation.
Methods: We reviewed 30 fractures and their post mortem reports from the Galler collection, a modern pathology reference series.
Results: Ourinvestigationrevealedunusualappearancesofthehipfollowingfemoralneckfracturesthat are not usually seen in modern orthopaedic practice, including previously undescribed acetabularisation of the femur and ankyloses of ununited femoral heads.
Conclusion: Appreciation of these appearances and an understanding of how these fractures may progress are important in the current diagnosis and management of delayed presentations, neglected or inadequately fixed subcapital fractures of the femoral neck.