Results of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting (Meyers’ procedure) in the management of ununited femoral neck fractures

Abstract

Purpose: Femoral neck fractures in young patients are associated with increase complication risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle grafting in the treatment of ununited femoral neck fractures. Methods: This study includes 16 patients with ununited femoral neck fractures treated with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle graft. 7 patients had neglected femoral neck fractures while 9 had ununited femoral neck fractures after fixation. Quadratus femoris muscle with 2 × 1 × 1 cm (length-width-height) bone in its insertion was elevated and placed in the posterior cortex of the femoral neck with additional cancellous graft from the posterior iliac bone. The graft was fixed with 3.5-mm cortical screws. Results: The average follow-up period was 96 weeks and the radiological union occurred at an average of 7 months. The femoral inclination of all patients was 128.5° ± 3.9° with an average 7 (range 0–35) mm thigh atrophy in the last follow-up visit. Only 1 patient (6%) had avascular necrosis of the femoral head and was treated with hip arthroplasty. Conclusions: Quadratus femoris muscle pedicle grafting provides better stability and blood supply in ununited femoral neck fractures. Achieving fracture union provides better clinical and functional results in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.