Frequency of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in patients with femoral shaft fractures

Abstract

Background: Ipsilateral associated femoral neck and shaft fractures are reported to occur in 2.5-6% of all femoral shaft fractures.

Objective: To establish the frequency of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures amongst all patients presenting with femoral shaft fractures in Mulago Hospital.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which all patients presenting to Mulago Hospital with femoral shaft fractures were studied.

Results: One hundred and eighty five patients with femoral shaft fractures were studied over a period of 8 months. Three of these were found to have an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture; giving a frequency of 1.6%. These were caused by road traffic accidents and a fall from a height. The femoral shaft fractures were closed, middle or upper third; and AO classes A2, C1 and C3. The femoral neck fractures were displaced, intertrochanteric or basal fractures.

Conclusions: The frequency of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in patients with femoral shaft fractures was lower than that found in other centers.

Recommendations: A multicenter study is required to find out the frequency at a national level.