Hybrid Anterolateral Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures.

Abstract

Displaced femoral neck fractures in physiologically young patients are best treated with anatomic reduction and stable fixation. Several surgical approaches to the femoral neck have previously been described, although they are fraught with disadvantages such as poor visualization, the need for 2 incisions, and risk of injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and branches of the medial femoral circumflex artery. The authors' hybrid anterolateral approach to the hip allows for excellent visualization of femoral neck fractures and for placement of plate and/or screw constructs through a single incision. This surgical technique additionally minimizes risk to neurovascular structures.