A Review Of Management Of Femoral Neck Fractures In Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

This was a 6-month cross-sectional prospective study carried out in Kenyatta National Hospital between January 2006 and June 2006. The aim of the study was to determine the age and sex distribution, mechanisms of injury and methods of management of femoral neck fractures seen in Kenyatta National Hospital over this period of time. The authority of the ethical committee was sought and received. Under the guidance of the supervisor suitable patients were selected according to the set out criteria from the orthopaedic wards. The data was collected from them by the principal investigator with the help of colleagues in the orthopaedic wards. A total of 67 patients were included in the study during the study period. The age range was between 18 and 85 years(mean 53) for the males and 50 to 95 years(mean 67.8) for the females. Forty-eight (71.6%) were males and 19(28.4%) females. Out of the males 31 patients had severe trauma, 16 minor trauma(spontaneous fractures) and 1 pathological fracture, the females 15 had minor trauma, one major trauma and 3 pathological fractures. Thirty-six(53.7%) were managed conservatively(traction) and 32(46.2%) operatively(open reduction and internal fixation). Out of the ones managed operatively 10(32.3%) had multiple screws, 11(35.5%) dynamic hip screw, 3(9.7%) angle plate, 7(9.7%) arthroplasties. Most of the male patients were in the age group 18-50 years and the injuries were due to severe trauma(road traffic accidents) while majority of females were >60 years with mainly spontaneous fractures. There were more males than females and majority(>50%) of the patients were managed conservatively.