Reduction techniques and choice of internal fixation for young femoral neck fractures

Femoral neck fractures are not common in young patients, accounting for merely 3% of all these fractures. However, since the young femoral neck fractures are mostly caused by high energy violence, they usually jeopardize local blood supply and mechanical environment, resulting in higher risks of non-union and avascular necrosis. Besides, young patients often make a greater demand for functional recovery. Consequently, young femoral neck fracture is always a clinical challenge. In this article, we introduce in details the latest techniques and standards for reduction of young femoral neck fracture, compare advantages and drawbacks of various internal fixations, illustrate up-to-date progress in treatment methods and concepts for delayed and nonunited femoral neck fractures, and lastly put forward some unsolved issues open to dispute. In treatment of young femoral neck fractures, it is necessary for us to get familiarized with their anatomy and biomechanical characteristics, grasp the principles of treatment on the whole, and choose operational and internal fixation methods based on the clinical evidence before we can improve therapeutic efficacy, accelerate rehabilitation progress and restore function of the hip joint as much as possible. Key words: Femoral neck fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Therapy; Young