PERCUTANEOUS PINNING IN UNDISPLACED SUBCAPITAL FEMORAL-NECK FRACTURES

Three hundred and five undisplaced subcapital femoral neck fractures m anaged by pinning in situ with Knowles' pins were evaluated to elucida te the role and effect of such treatment. The protocol of management a nd follow up, and evaluation, both radiographically and functionally, were set up prospectively. The duration from injury to management was 3.5 (1-14) days, the operation time was 22 (9-48) min and most of the patients were discharged without hospitalization. The follow-up period was 75 (28-136) months. The final results showed 282 (92.5 per cent) fractures united without complications (mean union time: 20 weeks), 14 (4.6 per cent) limbs with non-union, and 9 (2.9 per cent) had implant problems. Twenty-two (7.2 per cent) developed avascular necrosis afte r union. Percutaneous pinning of undisplaced subcapital femoral neck f ractures as day cases is a simple, safe, effective and economic method .