ABSTRACT
Introduction: This paper evaluates the efficacy and safety of the use of cancellous screw fixation in the treatment of intracapsular femoral neck fractures in our local population.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the results of 116 cases that were performed in Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital over a 2-year period was undertaken. The minimum period of follow-up was 2 years. Results: The median age of the study group was 71 years and approximately two-thirds were females. There were 104 (90%) cases of undisplaced (Garden 1 and 2) fractures and 12 (10%) displaced (Garden 3 and 4) fractures. The specific complication rate was much higher in the displaced group of patients. At 2 years’ postoperation, 85% returned to their premorbid level of ambulation and 90% reported good pain relief. The 1-year mortality rate was 7%. Conclusion: Cancellous screw fixation is a relatively safe and useful operation. It achieved our aim of returning most patients to their pre-fracture level of ambulation and providing good pain relief.The incidence of hip fractures rises with increasing age, doubling for each decade beyond 50 years of age. With the increase in life expectancy and the accompanying ageing population, there has been an increase in the incidence of hip fractures from 1.17 per 1000 females >60 years old in 1965 to 1.5 per 1000 in 1985.
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