title: OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES: TWO OR THREE SCREWS?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of osteosynthesis on femoral neck fractures using two instead of three screws.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-nine fractures were retrospectively evaluated, divided into groups in which two screws were used in parallel (n = 28) or three screws (n =11) in an inverted triangle configuration (in accordance with the AO technique). The patients were then followed up until reaching the outcome of either consolidation or failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the group in which two screws were used, consolidation was observed in 23 of the 28 fractures (82%). In the group in which three screws were used, consolidation was observed in 6 of the 11 fractures (55%). There was no statistically significant difference between these percentages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no difference in the prognosis for these fractures when treated using two screws in parallel or three screws in an inverted triangle in accordance with the AO technique. Further studies are needed in order to establish a definitive conclusion.
authors.affiliation: Attending physician in the Adult Hip Diseases Group, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Basile
authors.affiliation: Physician undergoing Specialist training in the Program of Adult Hip Diseases, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo Roberto
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Pepicelli
authors.affiliation: Head of the Adult Hip Diseases Group, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Edmilson Takehiro
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Takata
keywords: Bone Screws; Femoral Neck Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Longitudinal Studies