The study appears in the February issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.
Researchers reported on a case study of an 18-year-old man who experienced a femoral head fracture after a car accident. After being admitted and observed at the initial hospital, he was assessed as having a small fracture of the femoral head and was released on crutches. He then returned to HSS 20 days later, where CT and MRI examinations further delineated the large displaced section of the femoral head and a small associated fracture to the periphery of the hip socket, according to the release.
The patient then underwent surgery using a new technique involving surgical dislocation of the femur in order to access and repair the fracture. Because one-third of the femoral head was missing due to the severe damage associated with the injury, doctors chose to transplant a special piece of frozen bone/cartilage, according to the release.
Post-operatively, the patient was on crutches, only 20 pounds weight-bearing for two months, and he was told to avoid rigorous activities requiring further exertion, according to the release. Slow progression to weight bearing as tolerated, exercises to obtain full range of motion and strengthening of the hip and regular follow-up visits and X-rays was done until it was clear that the graft had properly incorporated.
At 46 months following surgery, researchers reported that the patient was fully rehabilitated and able to return to an active lifestyle. According to the release, further studies on long-term results are needed to determine the effectiveness of the procedure, but the early results are promising.
Read the HSS’s release on hip surgery in young adult patients.
