Subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur treated by double-divergent fixation

Abstract

Abstract A method of fixation of femoral neck fractures which involves double-divergent fixation using two Watson-Jones nails is described. The method has been compared against nail and autogenous fibular graft fixation and gave results which were better. The method has also been compared against single-nail fixation and has given much better results. There seems to be little place for single-nail fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures. A clinical series of 90 cases of displaced fractures treated by double-divergent fixation is presented. Failure of fixation occurred in 12 cases (13.3 per cent). The technique of double-divergent fixation prevents femoral neck collapse or resorption.