Gaps and opportunities in the management of the young femoral neck fracture.

Abstract

Femoral neck fractures in young adults are difficult to treat. There are substantial gaps in our knowledge regarding treatment and prevention of young adult femoral neck fractures. Avoiding malunion or nonunion of these fractures after fixation remains a challenge. Currently available fixation techniques may allow for healing to occur, but in a shortened position, with negative consequences on gait mechanics and physical function. Osteonecrosis remains a problem, affecting up to half of patients who sustain femoral neck fractures. Achieving reliable healing may require a reconsideration of fracture fixation implants as well as biological methods to address metabolic, endocrine, and/or genetic abnormalities that may be present in the young adult femoral neck fracture patient. Also, prevention of low-energy femoral neck fractures (e.g. stress fracture) remains an area ripe for investigation.