Outcome of non-operative management in Garden I femoral neck fractures.

Abstract

We studied the operation rate for secondary displacement in Garden type 1 femoral neck fracture when treated primarily conservatively. We reviewed the records of 115 patients with Garden type 1 femoral neck fractures primarily treated conservatively. Operation for secondary displacement was required in 48 cases (41%); the displacement rate was highest at age 60-80 years. There was significant difference between age and secondary displacement, but none between gender, ASA classification or Pauwels angle and secondary displacement. Garden type 1 femoral neck fractures deserve special attention because of the high rate of secondary displacement when they are conservatively treated, and surgery should therefore considered.