Clinical and radiographic outcomes of femoral head fractures: excision vs. fixation of fragment in Pipkin type I: what is the optimal choice for femoral head fracture?

Treatment and clinical outcome in patients with femoral head fractures: a long-term follow-up

INTRODUCTION

A femoral head fracture (Pipkin fracture) is a rare but severe injury. The optimal treatment is controversial, and there is a lack of research focusing on treatment strategies. The study aimed to analyze the treatment strategies in comparison to the outcome in patients after traumatic hip joint dislocation (THD) with concomitant femoral head fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study at three Level I Trauma Centers was performed over a 12 year period from January 2009 to January 2021. Epidemiological data, associated injuries, and treatment were recorded. Patients were followed up for further treatment, re-operations, complications, and long-term functional outcomes using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), specifically the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS).

RESULTS

45 patients with a mean age of 44 ± 16.11 years were finally evaluated. The majority of 38 patients (84%) were treated surgically. The mean follow-up time was 5.75 years (range 2-12 years). 8 patients (31%) developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis and 4 patients (15%) developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head. 7 patients (27%) underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Fixation of the Pipkin fracture was more common in younger patients but had no statistically significant impact on PROMs. Patients with a higher BMI were significantly less likely to undergo fragment fixation (p < 0.05). TAS was significantly worse in patients who underwent THA (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A femoral head fracture is a severe injury with overall limitations in activities of daily living and a high rate of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Fragment fixation had no statistically significant impact on the outcome and PROMs. Treatment strategies should be guided by the fracture type, the patient's condition, and associated injuries. However, concomitant and life-threatening injuries may affect the treatment and limit the outcome.

Techniques and results of reconstruction of femoral head fractures: An Update

A narrative review of the literature was conducted to examine the data on femoral head fractures, with a particular focus on their management, complications and clinical outcomes. A PRISMA strategy was used. Medline and Scopus library databases were queried using pre-defined MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Quality of evidence was evaluated based on OCEBM and GRADE systems. The 50 eligible articles that met the predefined inclusion criteria reported on 1403 femoral head fractures. A detailed analysis of the surgical approaches used was performed in 38 articles with 856 fractures. Most fractures were treated surgically (90,8 %) with preferred anatomical reconstruction in 76,7 % of all operatively treated cases. Posterior approaches were the most common (52.5 %). This was evenly split between surgical hip dislocation and the classic Kocher-Langenbeck approach. 70.5 % of surgically treated cases achieved excellent or good result according to Thompson-Epstein criteria. Highest rate of excellent results showed minimal invasive osteosynthesis and surgical hip dislocation. Major late complications were avascular necrosis (10.8 %), post-traumatic arthritis (16.2 %) and heterotopic ossification (20.8 %). Secondary THA was necessary in 6.9 %. Highest rate of major complications was joined with anterior approach (77 %), lowest rate from frequently used approaches surgical hip dislocation (37.8 %). Conservative treatment recedes into the background. The Ganz flip osteotomy with surgical hip dislocation allows safe treatment of all types of fractures and should be considered the first choice, offering the lowest rate of complications and one of the best functional outcomes. Reconstruction of Pipkin Type III fractures should be reserved for very young patients due to high rate of major complications.

Closed reduction and minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis of Pipkin femoral head fractures

BACKGROUND

Femoral posterior hip dislocation with associated femoral head fractures (Pipkin fractures) are rare high-energy injuries. Published treatment modalities involve conservative treatment, head fragment resection, open reduction and internal fixation, and total hip replacement. The experience with mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis of these fractures is the main focus of our study.

METHODS

Seven Pipkin fractures (five Pipkin II and two Pipkin I) in six patients were treated by closed reduction of hip dislocation, followed by minimal invasive lag screw osteosynthesis. Cancellous screw(s) were inserted from the incision on the lateral hip through the femoral neck to the reduced fracture fragment. In all patients, postoperative CT was performed to check the quality of surgery. Active physiotherapy with immediate toe-touch weight bearing was the routine postoperative protocol. In all patients, radiological and clinical results were evaluated with the Thompson Epstein, Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score, and Harris hip score.

RESULTS

All fractures united, and all femoral heads survived. Infectious complications were not observed, and no secondary surgery was needed. After an average follow-up of 18.4 months, the average Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score was 17.7 points, while the mean Harris hip score reached 98.1 points. The majority of patients achieved an excellent Thompson-Epstein clinical and radiological outcome. All patients returned to their original occupation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis can be used for the treatment of Pipkin type I-II femoral head fractures. Successful reduction of hip dislocation and head fracture is necessary for using this technique. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm this technique.

Pipkin Type I and II femoral head fractures: internal fixation or excision?-from the hip arthroscopy perspective

The treatment of patients with femoral head fractures with regard to fixation versus excision is controversial. This study aimed to compare the results of fixation and excision in hip arthroscopy-assisted surgery. This retrospective study included adult patients with femoral head fractures who were treated with hip arthroscopy surgery from March 2016 to April 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (fixation group) and Group 2 (excision group). To compare the therapeutic effects between the two groups, clinical and radiographic outcomes, operative time, pain score, length of hospital stay after surgery and related complications were investigated. There were 13 (mean duration, 47.5 months; range, 24-72 months) and 8 (mean duration, 48.6 months; range, 26-74 months) patients in the fixation and excision groups, respectively. The excision group had better functional results than the fixation group in terms of the median modified Harris hip score (P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in operative time, pain score or hospital stay after surgery between the two groups. Further, no osteonecrosis of the femoral head or traumatic arthritis occurred in either group. A piece of fracture fragment >2 cm can be considered for hip arthroscopy-assisted internal fixation, whereas the others can be removed. The excision group had better outcomes than the fixation group. Hence, hip arthroscopy-assisted internal fixation or excision of bony fragments led to satisfactory short-term clinical and radiological results for the treatment of Pipkin Type I and II femoral head fractures.

Dislocation fracture of the femoral head in adult

The smaller the head fragment, the more likely it is located at the bottom and in front of the femoral head, which then determines the most suitable approach.

A CT scan is essential after reduction and before resumption of weight-bearing to verify the size and congruence of the fragments and whether there are foreign bodies and/or a fracture of the posterior wall.

Classifications should include the size of the fragment and whether or not there is an associated fracture of the acetabulum or femoral neck (historical ‘Pipkin’, modernised ‘Chiron’).

In an emergency, the dislocation should be rectified, without completing the fracture (sciatic nerve palsy should be diagnosed before reduction). A hip prosthesis may be indicated (age or associated cervical fracture).

Delayed orthopaedic treatment is sufficient if congruence is good. A displaced fragment can be resected (foreign bodies and ¼ head), reduced and osteosynthesised (⅓ and ½ head), and a posterior wall fracture reduced and osteosynthesised. Small fragments can be resected under arthroscopy. The approach is medial (Luddloff, Ferguson, Chiron) to remove or osteosynthesise ⅓ or ¼ fragments; posterior for ½ head or a fractured posterior wall.

The results remain quite good in case of resection or an adequately reduced fragment. Long-term osteoarthritis is common (32%) but well tolerated with a low rate of prosthetisation. Avascular necrosis remains a possible complication (8.2%). Sciatic nerve palsy (4% of fracture dislocations) is more common for dislocations associated with posterior wall fractures.

Case report of a delayed iatrogenic Pipkin type III femoral head fracture-dislocation

RATIONALE

Pipkin III femoral head fracture dislocation (FHFD) is rarely observed in clinical practice, and its outcome is alarming. A considerable proportion of Pipkin III fractures result from repeated or forceful closed reduction of an irreducible FHFD. Pipkin type III fractures pose a therapeutic challenge. Most patients underwent total hip arthroplasty.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 34-year-old man experienced high-energy trauma to the left hip from a terrible traffic accident. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) at the local hospital revealed a left posterior FHFD. Emergency close reduction of the hip was performed.48 hours later, the patient was transferred to our institution. New radiography and CT examinations demonstrated an iatrogenic femoral neck fracture (FNF) associated with FHFD. In addition, a right talar fracture was observed.

DIAGNOSIS

Pipkin III fracture combined with contralateral talar fracture.

INTERVENTIONS

Considering his Pipkin fracture classification (Pipkin Type-III) and the time to surgery after his injury (>48 hours), the patient underwent left total hip arthroplasty uneventfully, followed by below-ankle plaster cast immobilization for his right ankle.

OUTCOMES

At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was able to walk pain-free, and plain radiographs were satisfactory, with no evidence of heterotopic ossification or osteonecrosis of the talus.

LESSONS

Before emergency closed reduction, early recognition of the unique characteristics of an irreducible FHFD is essential to avoid iatrogenic femoral neck fracture.

Does Surgical Repair Benefit Pipkin Type I Femoral Head Fractures?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Femoral head fractures are rare injuries with or without traumatic dislocations. The management of these fractures is crucial to prevent the development of severe complications and to achieve optimal functional outcomes. Wide treatment options for Pipkin 1 femoral head fractures range from fragment excision, fixation following open reduction with internal fixation, or conservative treatment such as close reduction alone after fracture dislocation. However, the best decision making remains controversial not only due to lack of large trials, but also inconsistent results reported. Therefore, we aim to compare the operative with nonoperative outcomes of Pipkin type 1 patients. Patients and Methods: We systemically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations to identify studies assessing outcomes of Pipkin type 1 patients after conservative treatment, and open reduction with excision or fixation. Data on comparison of clinical outcomes of each management were extracted including arthritis, heterotopic ossification (HO), avascular necrosis (AVN), and functional scores (Thompson Epstein, Merle' d Augine and Postel Score). We performed a meta-analysis with the available data. Results: Eight studies (7 case series and 1 RCT) were included in this study. In a pooled analysis, the overall rate of arthritis was 37% (95% CI, 2-79%), HO was 20% (95% CI, 2-45%), and AVN was 3% (95% CI, 0-16%). In comparison of management types, the excision group reached the best functional outcomes including Thompson Epstein Score (poor to worse, 9%; 95% CI, 0-27%) and Merle d' Aubigne and Postel Score (poor to worse, 18%; 95% CI, 3-38%); ORIF group had the highest AVN rate (11%; 95% CI, 0-92%); conservative treatment had the highest arthritis rate (67%; 95% CI: 0-100%) and lowest HO rate (2%; 95% CI, 0-28%). Discussion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that different procedures lead to various clinical outcomes: fragment excision may achieve better function, conservative treatment may result in a higher arthritis rate, while ORIFs may have a higher AVN rate. These findings may assist surgeons in tailoring their decision-making to specific patient profiles. Future RCTs with multicenter efforts are needed to validate associations found in this study. Level of Evidence: II, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Posterior hip dislocation associated with concomitant ipsilateral femoral head and shaft fractures: an unusual combination of injuries

The combination of posterior hip dislocation with an ipsilateral femoral head and shaft fractures is unusual. While cases of concomitant fractures of femoral head and shaft have been previously reported, the treatment of such injuries is challenging. Presence of an associated hip dislocation further complicates the matter. A timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to have a good outcome.We are presenting the case of a 20-year-old man who sustained a traumatic posterior hip dislocation with ipsilateral femoral shaft and femur head fractures. After reducing the hip, we fixed the femoral shaft with a retrograde femur nail and the femoral head by the trochanteric flip approach in the same sitting. The patient returned to his pre-injury occupation after 4 months. He has been doing well until his last follow-up, 1 year after the surgery, thus emphasising the utility of following basic principles of trauma management in the management of unusual injuries.

Articular Femoral Head Fracture Management: A Meta-analysis of Literature

PURPOSE

Articular fractures of the proximal femur are seldom encountered and there are few studies in literature regarding this topic. To date, only a few large series have adequate follow-up and exhaustive description of treatment and outcome, which, however, often result incomplete and do not allow a comparison. Since there are still uncertainties and debates on which the treatment gold standard should be, the goal of the present study is to carry out a meta-analysis on type I and II Pipkin fracture management to establish the best treatment according to EBM.

METHODS

Studies regarding acetabular fractures of the femur head were identified from Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Medline, ScienceDirect and PubMed; gray studies were searched from the included references' literature, and using general search engines and Social media; the query to be temporally extended from 1996 to 2020. Only comparative studies were included; we ruled out case-reports, case series, author's opinion, register databases.

RESULTS

Comparing conservative and surgical treatment, we found evidence of a better outcome choosing surgical treatment. We found a significant better outcome with open reduction internal fixation, instead of fragment excision. Comparing failure rate of surgical approaches, we found no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Our study proves that there is evidence in favor of operative treatment rather than conservative in complete or displaced Pipkin fracture Type I + II; open reduction internal fixation should be preferred rather than fragment excision, whenever possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III. Therapeutic.

Treatment of Pipkin type I fracture using safe surgical hip dislocation: A case report

We report the clinical and radiological outcomes of a 30-year-old female with femoral head fracture following a posterior hip dislocation. The patient was managed using safe surgical hip dislocation. She had a pain free range of motion of the hip at 1 year postinjury.

Surgical Dislocation or the Modified Heuter Anterior Approach for Pipkin I and II Femoral Head Fracture Dislocations

OBJECTIVES

To compare outcomes after surgical treatment of Pipkin I and II femoral head fractures treated with either a surgical dislocation (SD) or a direct anterior approach (the modified Heuter approach).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, multicentre.

SETTING

Three Level I trauma care centers.

PATIENTS

Fourty-nine patients operated for Pipkin types I or II femoral head fractures. Twenty-seven using SD and 22 using the modified Heuter approach.

INTERVENTIONS

Initial closed reduction of the joint followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture/fragment excision. Fixation was performed using headless or countersunk mini fragment screws.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The 2 groups were compared for (1) perioperative measures: blood loss, surgical time, pain [visual analog scale (VAS)], and length of hospital stay; (2) radiological outcome in terms of fracture union, occurrence of posttraumatic hip arthritis, and femoral head osteonecrosis; and (3) functional outcome using the modified Merle d' Aubigne score and Oxford hip scores.

RESULTS

Surgical time, blood loss, and VAS at 24 hours were significantly lower in the modified Heuter group. The VAS at discharge and length of stay were similar in both groups. All fractures had united. No cases of osteonecrosis were observed. Functional outcome and complications were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SD and the modified Heuter approach are effective in treating patients with Pipkin I and II femoral head fractures with comparable radiological and functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical treatment of femoral head fractures

Background

Femoral head fractures (FHF) are uncommon and generally caused by high-energy injuries. Surgical reduction with stable fixation of large fragments is believed to have the best outcomes. This retrospective study intended to report outcomes with surgical treatment at our institution and tried to establish treatment algorithm.

Methods

Through the 6-year period (2003–2008), 35 FHF in 35 consecutive patients (average, 30 years) were surgically treated. All FHF were caused by high-energy trauma. Patients' general condition was stabilized first and hip dislocation was manually reduced immediately. Definite fracture treatment was scheduled after admission for an average of 2.9 days (0.3–11 days). Pipkin classification was used as the treatment guide and open reduction with internal fixation was performed in all 35 FHF.

Results

These FHF included 21 type I, 7 type II, 3 type III, and 4 type IV fractures. The hip joint had been approached by either an anterior or posterior route depending on the individual surgeon. Internal fixation with screws was performed for all 35 FHF. The average admission was 13.8 days (range, 2–35 days). Thirty patients (86%, 30/35) were followed for an average of 3.3 years (at lease 6 months) and all 30 FHF healed. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was found in 23% (7/30) patients and six patients were converted to hip arthroplasty for developing advanced stages of avascular necrosis. Heterotopic ossification occurred in 43% (13/30) patients. However, only one patient had range of motion limitation. Besides, one patient had moderate hip osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

FHF are uncommon and generally caused by high-energy injuries. Fracture healing can be attained in all femoral head fractures by using open reduction and screw fixation. Our results by using conventional approaches were associated with high complication rates. Further endeavor to improve the outcome should be taken.

In Situ Reduction and Fixation of the Anterior Medial Fenestration Approach for Femoral Head Fracture

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and clinical application of the anterior medial fenestration approach in the treatment of Pipkin type I and II femoral head fractures.

Methods

The hips of two anti‐corrosion adult specimens treated with formalin were dissected and the anatomical structures and directional characteristics of the anterior medial main muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves were observed. The anterior medial fenestration approach was performed on bilateral hips of four fresh frozen specimens to determine the required pulling direction of the stripped muscles and ligaments during surgery. In addition, the vascular and nerve traction protection directions exposed in the approach were observed and analyzed. The feasibility of this approach was assessed, and the operative approach and critical anatomical depth were measured. We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with Pipkin type I and II femoral head fractures who underwent in situ reduction and fixation by anterior medial fenestration in our hospital from February 2016 to April 2018. The study group included 3 men and 9 women aged 37–59 years (mean, 48.50 years). There were 8 cases of Pipkin type I and 4 cases of Pipkin type II. The operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time, last Thompson–Epstein evaluation, and Harris score were recorded.

Results

A total of 8 fresh frozen specimens from 4 bilateral hips were exposed by anterior medial fenestration. The upper boundary of observation fenestration was the pubic body (anterior acetabulum), and the outer upper boundary was the iliacus and the psoas muscle. The lateral boundary was the rectus femoris and the femoral vessels, while the lower boundary was the transverse branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery and vein. The medial boundary was the pubis muscle, the short adductor muscle, and the long adductor muscle. The pubofemoral and iliofemoral ligaments were observed during fenestration. By cutting open the joint capsule and moving the hip joint, the four quadrants of the femoral head can be exposed. Twelve patients with femoral head fractures who were treated with anterior medial fenestration underwent in situ reduction and fixation. The operation time was 96.25–118.75 min (median, 100 min), and the blood loss was 115.00 ± 22.76 mL. The follow‐up time was 18.58 ± 4.48 months, and the fracture healing time was 144.17 ± 14.53 days. The last Thompson–Epstein evaluation was excellent in 6 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 83.33%. Finally, the last Harris score was 85.08 ± 5.73 points.

Conclusions

The upper and lower boundaries, inner and outer boundaries, and rear anatomical structure of the anterior medial fenestration approach were defined. The movable hip joint can expose the four quadrants in front of the femoral head in this fenestration. Anterior medial fenestration in situ reduction and fixation surgery is feasible and safe for the treatment of Pipkin type I and II femoral head fractures.

3D printing-based Ganz approach for treatment of femoral head fractures: a prospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Femoral head fractures are uncommon injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of femoral head fracture is the preferred treatment for most patients. There are several surgical approaches and treatments for this difficult fracture. However, the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of femoral head fracture remains controversial. Meanwhile, the operation is difficult and the complications are numerous. We prospectively reviewed patients with femoral head fractures managed surgically through the 3D printing-based Ganz approach to define a better approach with the least morbidity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2012 and 2017, a total of 17 patients were included in this study. An exact 1:1 3D printing model of the injured hip side was fabricated for each patient and simulated surgery was finished preoperative. The surgical approach was performed as described by Ganz. Functional assessment was performed using the modified Merle d'Aubigne scores. The reduction of the fracture was evaluated according to Matta's criteria. The incidence of complications, such as heterotopic ossification (HO) and avascular necrosis (AVN), and the need for additional surgery were also documented.

RESULTS

Twelve of 17 patients (four females and eight males) were available for 2 years follow-up. The mean follow-up was 35 months (25-48 months). Average age for the 12 patients was 39.9 ± 12.2 years. According to the Pipkin classification, four patients were type I fracture, three patients were type II fracture, and five patients were type IV fracture. The mean operative time was 124.2 ± 22.1 min, and the estimated blood loss was 437.5 ± 113.1 ml. According to Merle d' Aubigne scores, excellent results were achieved in six of the 12 patients; four good and two poor results occurred in the rest of the patients. On the radiograph evaluation, fracture reduction was defined as anatomical in eight patients, and imperfect in four. Most patients had good outcomes and satisfactory hip function at last follow-up. Almost all great trochanteric osteectomy healed uneventfully. One patient developed symptomatic AVN of the femoral head and underwent THA at 3 years. After THA, she regained a good hip function with the ability to return to work and almost no reduction in sports activities. Heterotopic ossification was found in four cases (type I-1, type II-2, and type III-1).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D printing-based Ganz approach provides a safe and reliable approach and satisfactory results of treatment in femoral head fractures. Using 3D printed model for the fracture of the femoral head, the fracture can be viewed in every direction to provide an accurate description of fracture characteristics, which contributes to make a reasonable surgical plan for patients. In addition, the 3D printing-based Ganz approach can obtain excellent surgical exposure and protection of the femoral head blood supply, reduce the operation time and intraoperative blood loss, make the precise osteotomy, anatomically fix the intra-articular fragments, and effectively reduce postoperative complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

We register our research at http://www.researchregistry.com . The Unique Identifying Number (UIN) from the Research Registry of the study is researchregistry4847 .

Traumatic hip fracture-dislocation: A middle-term follow up study and a proposal of new classification system of hip joint associated injury

Traumatic hip fracture dislocation is a rare injury associated with high-energy trauma. Most of these injuries should be surgically treated. Hip dislocation is an orthopaedic emergency and reduction must be performed within 6-8 hours of trauma. We performed a retrospective analysis of 69 patients with "hip joint associated injuries", treated between January 2002 and December 2016. 33 patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 36.9 months (range 18-132) after surgery. We propose a new classification system in which, different patterns of fracture (head and/or neck and/or acetabular) are described according to different types of hip dislocation. This anatomical-descriptive classification system is based on the concept of hip as a complex anatomical district and contains all possible traumatic injuries associated with hip dislocation. It includes isolated hip dislocation, hip dislocation with femoral head or neck fracture or hip dislocation with acetabular fracture and femoral head fracture. There are 4 groups: Each one of the previous groups is composed by different subgroups. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is the most common complication of these hip injuries, followed by avascular necrosis of femoral head and heterotopic ossification. The bad prognosis depends on the type of trauma rather than surgical treatment.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Femoral Head Fractures Associated with Traumatic Hip Dislocations

Background

Femoral head fractures are an uncommon but severe injury. These high-energy injuries typically occur in association with traumatic hip dislocations. Initial treatment includes urgent concentric reduction; however, controversy exists regarding specific fracture management. The well-known complications of avascular necrosis (AVN), posttraumatic arthritis (PTA), and heterotrophic ossification can leave patients with a significant functional loss of their affected hip. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of femoral head fractures.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at our institution assessing all patients who presented from 2007 to 2015 with a femoral head fracture associated with a hip dislocation and at least 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Twenty-two patients met our inclusion criteria. There were 15 males and 7 females with an average age of 36 years (range: 17-55). The average follow-up time was 18 months (range: 6-102). Fractures were classified according to the Pipkin classification. The Thompson and Epstein score was used to determine functional outcomes.

Results

There were five, Pipkin I, 3 Pipkin II, 0 Pipkin III, and 14 Pipkin IV, femoral head fractures. Sixteen patients were successfully closed reduced in the emergency department (ED) and six patients required open reduction after failed reduction in the ED. Four patients (18%) were successfully treated with closed reduction alone and 18 patients (82%) required operative intervention. Of those undergoing operative intervention, one patient underwent excision of the femoral head fragment, seven underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of the femoral head, nine underwent ORIF of the acetabulum, and one underwent ORIF of the femoral head and the acetabulum. Nine patients (41%) had an uneventful postoperative course. Two patients (9%) developed AVN, both requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). Five patients (23%) developed PTA, two eventually requiring a THA. Two patients (9%) had sciatic nerve palsy. One patient (5%) developed a postoperative infection and four patients (18%) developed heterotrophic ossification (HO), none requiring operative treatment. Two patients (9%) had persistent anterolateral (AL) thigh numbness. Overall functional results were excellent in six patients (27%), good in six (27%), fair in seven (32%), and poor in three patients (14%). Four patients (18%) required a THA.

Conclusion

Femoral head fractures are a rare injury with well-known complications. Early diagnosis and concentric reduction are the prerequisites for successful treatment. This study adds to the growing literature on femoral head fractures associated with hip dislocations in efforts to define treatment plans and to guide patient expectations.

How to cite this article

Del Core MA, Gross B, Ahn J, et al. Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Femoral Head Fractures Associated with Traumatic Hip Dislocations. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2019;14(1):6-10.

Surgical Dislocation of the Hip in the Treatment of Complex Osteochondral Injury to the Femoral Head

PURPOSE

The optimal treatment for osteochondral fracture of the femoral head associated with posterior dislocation remains unclear. A case can be made to treat small fragments and those that concentrically reduce nonoperatively. On the other end of the spectrum are those where significant size and residual displacement warrant consideration of operative fixation. This video demonstrates the treatment of a large complex multifragmentary osteochondral femoral head fracture with surgical dislocation.

METHODS

With the patient in lateral decubitus position, the trochanter is approached through lateral incision. The trochanter is cut and capsulotomy performed taking care to preserve the critical medial femoral circumflex artery. Fixation with headless screws is performed from the small comminuted fragments into the dominant section of intact femoral head.

RESULTS

Experience suggests that anatomic fixation through surgical dislocation can be carried out with low incidence of subsequent avascular necrosis and degenerative articular change. Given the degree of local osseous and muscular trauma, consideration should be given to prophylaxis of heterotopic bone.

DISCUSSION

Although small osteochondral fragments restricted to the acetabular fossa can be treated nonoperatively, the size and displacement of the presented fragment mandated operative reduction. Given the predicted complexity of repair, the surgical dislocation approach was chosen to provide maximum exposure optimizing the chances for successful fixation.

Treatment of Hip Dislocations and Associated Injuries: Current State of Care

Hip dislocations, most often caused by motor vehicle accidents or similar high-energy trauma, traverse a large subset of distinct injury patterns. Understanding these patterns and their associated injuries allows surgeons to provide optimal care for these patients both in the early and late postinjury periods. Nonoperative care requires surgeons to understand the indications. Surgical care requires the surgeon to understand the benefits and limitations of several surgical approaches. This article presents the current understanding of hip dislocation treatment, focusing on anatomy, injury classifications, nonoperative and operative management, and postinjury care.