Concurrent ipsilateral fractures of the hip and femoral shaft:A meta-analysis of 659 cases

Abstract

659 cases of concurrent, ipsilateral fractures in the hip and femoral shaft reported in 59 studies were analyzed. The causes were a road traffic accident in 78% and other types of high-energy traumas in 13% of the patients. This injury combination was rare in children. The median age was 34 years. 78% of the patients were men. One-third had multiple injuries, one-half had injuries of the ipsilateral knee and one-half had other lower limb injuries. The femoral neck fractures were most often basilar and the reported rate of avascular necrosis was 3%. The trochanteric fractures were intertrochanteric transverse, and seldom comminuted. The important factors in reducing morbidity were an early diagnosis of all injuries and efficient treatment of the shaft fractures. Locked intramedullary nails yielded results which were superior to combinations of plates or unlocked nails and separate hip screws. Reconstruction nails (cephalomedullary nails) gave results equal to those of customary locked nails and separate hip screws. The rate of healing of the hip fracture was over 99%, the treatment of the shaft fracture being of main importance for the outcome.