High secondary displacement rate in the conservative treatment of impacted femoral neck fractures in 105 patients.

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the dislocation rate after the conservative treatment of impacted femoral neck fractures in four hospitals with the same treatment protocol of partial weight-bearing when tolerated.

Patients And Methods: We reviewed the records of 105 patients (mean age 78 years) with an impacted femoral neck fracture, all primarily treated conservatively. Patient demographics, ASA classification and radiographic features were scored.

Results: Secondary displacement occurred in 48 patients (46%). There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between gender, age, ASA classification or Pauwels angle and secondary displacement.

Conclusion: In our group of patients, secondary displacement was frequent and unpredictable.