Complications after intracapsular hip fractures in young adults. A meta-analysis of 18 published studies involving 564 fractures.

UNLABELLED: Intracapsular hip fractures in young adults have a significant risk of complications. Consequently, some authors advocate urgent and/or open fracture reduction. Our aim was to analyse outcomes following such fractures with reference to influence of fracture displacement, timing of surgery and method of reduction (open/closed) on the incidence of non-union (NU) and avascular necrosis (AVN).

METHODS

Specific search terms were used to retrieve relevant published studies from 1966 to May 2003.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies involving 564 fractures were analysed. The overall incidence of NU was 50/564 (8.9%) and AVN was 130/564 (23.0%). There was a higher incidence of NU and AVN following displaced than undisplaced fractures. NU occurred more frequently after open reduction than closed reduction (10/89 [11.2%] versus 13/275 [4.7%]). There was an increased incidence of AVN after closed than open reduction but this was no longer statistically significant when one study with a markedly higher reported incidence of AVN was excluded. The difference in the incidence of NU and AVN following early (<12h) or late (>12 h) surgery was not significant for either NU or AVN.

CONCLUSION

Early or open reduction of these fractures may not reduce the risk of NU or AVN. There is a suggestion of a higher incidence of NU following open reduction than closed reduction. Randomised studies with 2 year follow-up are required to report on a larger number of patients before definite conclusions on treatment can be made.