Early prediction of outcomes in hip fractures: initial fracture displacement.

We retrospectively analyzed the surgical treatment of 28 pediatric hip fractures. The majority of cases were Delbet type 2 (57%) and type 3 (29%). The average age of the patients was 10.8 years (range: 2-16 years). The mean follow-up period was 91 months. Displaced fractures were found in 18 cases (64%). The major factor in the development of avascular necrosis was the degree of displacement at the time of initial presentation (P<0.05), irrespective of fracture type. Although the degree of initial displacement cannot be prevented, careful exposure of soft tissue during open reduction will reduce avascular necrosis.