Unstable Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults: Treatment With the AO 130-Degree Blade Plate

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures using the AO 130-degree blade plate. DESIGN: Between 1980 and 1994, thirty-four consecutive patients younger than age fifty years with an unstable intracapsular femoral neck fracture (Garden Types III-IV) were treated with internal fixation. SETTING: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. INTERVENTION: The AO 130-degree blade plate with an antirotation, 6.5-millimeter, partially threaded cancellous lag screw was used. RESULTS: Nineteen (63.3 percent) patients had an excellent result, seven (23.3 percent) had a good result, three (10 percent) had a fair result, and one (3.3 percent) had a poor result. Delayed union was observed in one case, and avascular necrosis was observed in two cases. Two implants perforated the subchondral bone. CONCLUSION: Stable fixation with the AO 130-degree blade plate avoids damage to the adjacent blood supply to the femoral head and appears to guarantee a good final outcome of unstable intracapsular femoral neck fractures in young adults.