Screw fixation of subcapital fractures of the femur--a better method of treatment?

A series of 71 patients with subcapital fractures of the femur treated by internal fixation with three AO cancellous screws is reviewed. Sixty-five patients survived and were followed up for 26-73 months from injury (mean 47 months). The incidence of non-union was 4.7 per cent. The incidence of avascular necrosis was 33.3 per cent in displaced fractures and 7.7 per cent in undisplaced fractures. Early weight bearing did not affect the incidence of non-union, avascular necrosis or regression of the screw. We recommend internal fixation of subcapital fractures of the femur by this method.