In order to clarify the factors influencing the prognosis of the femoral neck fracture in young adults, 53 fractures in 52 patients were evaluated. All patients were between 13 and 49 years old.
The incidence of non-union was 6 per cent of 49 fractures and of late segmental collapse (LSC), 24 per cent of 41 fractures. Non-union was seen in patients who had Garden Stage III and IV fractures, and in patients of more than 46years old at trauma. The LSC occurred in 6 of 9 Garden Stage IV fractures and in 2 of 8 transverse fractures in middleneck, as well as in 3 of 6 patients who had operation at 22 days or more after trauma.
It is concluded that there is few problems on the bone union of the femoral neck fracture in young adults. The most important factor which influences the prognosis is LSC, and the occurrence of this complication i s related to the interval between trauma and operation, and to the type of fracture.
