Unstable femoral neck fractures in young adults: treatment with the AO 130-degree blade plate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical outcome of the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures using the AO 130-degree blade plate.


METHODS
Between 1980 and 1994, thirty-four consecutive patients younger than age fifty years with an unstable intracapsular femoral neck fracture (Garden Types III-IV) were treated with internal fixation.


METHODS
University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.


METHODS
The AO 130-degree blade plate with an antirotation, 6.5-millimeter, partially threaded cancellous lag screw was used.


RESULTS
Nineteen (63.3 percent) patients had an excellent result, seven (23.3 percent) had a good result, three (10 percent) had a fair result, and one (3.3 percent) had a poor result. Delayed union was observed in one case, and avascular necrosis was observed in two cases. Two implants perforated the subchondral bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Stable fixation with the AO 130-degree blade plate avoids damage to the adjacent blood supply to the femoral head and appears to guarantee a good final outcome of unstable intracapsular femoral neck fractures in young adults.
Broos
P L
PL
Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Vercruysse
R
R
Fourneau
I
I
Driesen
R
R
Stappaerts
K H
KH
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome