Conservative management of distraction-type stress fractures of the femoral neck.

Four military recruits with complete distraction-type stress fractures of the femoral neck were treated conservatively. The radiographic diagnosis was made within two weeks of the onset of symptoms and the activities of the patients were matched to the clinical and radiographic progress of fracture healing. None of the fractures displaced and union occurred uneventfully. Our experience suggests that prophylactic internal fixation of these fractures is not necessary.