title: Avascular necrosis of femoral head: a rare complication of a common fracture in an octogenarian.
abstract: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a relatively uncommon complication following an extracapsular hip fracture. Although it can occur following fixation of unstable 3-part or 4-part intertrochanteric fractures with significant posteromedial and posterolateral comminution, it remains a rare complication. We present a case of AVN of the femoral head following fixation of a stable 2-part intertrochanteric fracture in spite of good healing at the hip fracture site. This is a rare but eminently treatable cause of persisting hip pain after hip fracture surgery, and primary or secondary care physicians should be aware of this possibility.
authors: The South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre, Epsom, United Kingdom.
authors: Ravi
authors: R
authors: Mallina
authors: Feroz
authors: F
authors: Dinah
keywords: avascular necrosis; dynamic hip screw; extracapsular hip fracture; femoral head