Assessment of femoral neck nonunion with multiplanar computed tomography reconstruction

Femoral neck fracture nonunion after implant fixation is usually evaluated by physical findings and serial radiography. Radiography in hip fixation is complicated by inherent anatomy and the geometry of screw placement. Compu ted tomography with multiplanar reconstruction offers adjunct evaluation us ing nonstandard imaging planes tailored to favor fracture plane projection and individual screw evaluation. Metal artifacts can be minimized and lack of fracture bridging can be excluded with confidence. Experience with seven cases of femoral neck fracture nonunion is presented along with image exam ples.