Postoperative Tc-scintimetry in femoral neck fracture:A prospective study of 46 cases

Abstract

13 men and 33 women with 8 undisplaced and 38 displaced fractures of the femoral neck treated with internal fixation were included in a prospective study of Tc-scintimetry performed early (1-3 weeks), as well as after 2 and 12 months. 9 fractures redisplaced and 5 had late segmental collapse.

Healing complications were associated with decreased uptake in early and 2-month scintimetry, but the specificity was only 50 percent. With normal or increased uptake, uncomplicated healing of the fracture was predictable with 90-100 percent sensitivity.