Simple Minimally Invasive Method to Reduce Valgus-Impacted and Tilted Femoral Neck Fractures without Soft Tissue or Cartilage Injury: Radiological and Clinical Results.

Objective: This is a rare study comparing the radiological and functional outcomes of fixation after reduction with in situ fixation group using Femoral Neck System (FNS). The aim of this study was to introduce a simple, innovative, minimally invasive method to reduce valgus-impacted and tilted femoral neck fractures without soft tissue or cartilage injury.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of 46 patients between May 2020 and February 2022 was performed. In the control group, 23 patients underwent in situ fixation without reduction. In the study group, another 23 patients were managed by fixation after reduction using a percutaneous pull-out technique with a full threaded Steinmann pin. Caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle, tilt, and femoral neck shortenings were compared between the two groups. In addition, Harris Hip Score (HHS) was evaluated and compared at 1 year after surgery. Basically, independent samples t-test was used to compare radiological and functional results.

Results: Patients' initial valgus and tilt angles were not significantly different between the groups (n.s.). However, the CCD and tilt angles measured immediately and at one year postoperatively were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding femoral neck shortening, shortening in the three directions, the x, y, and z vectors, was significantly less in the reduction group immediately postoperatively and at 1 year post-surgery (p < 0.05). The mean HHS at 1 year postoperatively was 79.7 ± 8.4 in the in situ fixation group and 87.9 ± 6.6 in the reduction groups, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The pull-out method with a threaded Steinmann pin to reduce valgus-impacted and tilted femoral neck fracture is safe and effective for accomplishing anatomical restoration. This may achieve successful bone union and maintain the femoral neck length and original tilt without nearby soft tissue or cartilage injury.