Valgus Osteotomy for Delayed Presentation of Femoral Neck Fractures Pauwels Grade III

Fracture displacement, a high Pauwels angle, and delayed presentation decrease the potential for healing of femoral neck fractures. In the young individual, head preservation is paramount. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy may increase the healing potential of femoral neck fractures in the presence of those detrimental factors. Ten patients younger than 60 years of age with delayed presentation of displaced Pauwels III femoral neck fractures were treated by osteosynthesis and valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy fixed by dynamic hip screws. All osteotomies and nine fractures united with one case developing avascular necrosis.