Prediction of fracture union after internal fixation of intracapsular femoral neck fractures.

This study was based on a series of 470 patients with an intracapsular proximal femoral fracture treated by internal fixation; the characteristics of those patients with non-union were contrasted with those of patients in which union occurred, to determine which variables would predict bony union of the fracture. Radiological factors studied included measurements of fracture displacement, anatomical site and degree of osteoporosis. Patient characteristics studied were age, sex, prefracture mobility and mental state. Patient age and pre-operative fracture displacement were found to be of the greatest value in predicting non-union.