An unusual neurological complication following internal fixation of pertrochanteric fracture neck of the femur.

Fracture of the femoral neck is a common injury in the elderly population and may be associated with significant morbidity. More than 25,000 patients per year in the UK receive treatment for femoral neck fractures. Neurological injury associated with pertrochanteric fracture of the neck of the femur is rare. Sciatic nerve injury following isolated pertrochanteric femoral neck fractures is very rare and has not previously been reported in the literature. We describe a case of foot drop secondary to sciatic nerve injury following fracture of neck of the femur, with recovery after surgical exploration and nerve release. (Hip International 2002; 4: 400-2).