Salvage options following biological and mechanical failure of surgical hip fracture repair: Part I, intracapsular femoral neck fractures.

Most surgically repaired proximal femoral fractures heal uneventfully, however a small percentage of surgical interventions lead to failures. Salvage of failed treatment is challenging and dependent on the type and location of the complication. Potential complications of intracapsular hip fractures and their treatment include fixation failure, nonunion, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Factors guiding the choice of salvage option include patient age and quality of remaining bone. This article aims to present several potential complications and corresponding potential solutions using supporting literature, when available. This narrative review focuses on salvage treatment options of failed fixation of femoral neck fractures. Total hip arthroplasty is always the last resort salvage option.