Dual fibular grafting - A new technique of fixation of the femoral neck fractures

Background: To achieve osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures is a challenge to the treating surgeon. Plethora of devices and methods has been described. Method: A new technique of achieving union of femoral neck fractures by dual-fibular fixation has been reported in 150 patients. The age of the patients ranged from 6-75 years. Results: Nearly two-third of these were Garden type II and III with an average follow-up of 120 months. In this series 67% had good to excellent long term results. Conclusion: Two fibular struts provide autologous bone, filling the whole of the osteopenic femoral neck and prevent the rotational forces. Since the total fixation is biologically active, the technique has proved advantageous even when stable / desirable reduction is not possible and adequate fixation is not achieved, because of posterior communition at the fracture site or due to osteoporosis. Being autologous bone, the twin-fibular graft is advantageous even when there is ′subsequent loss of reduction′ of the fracture. It is, therefore, suggested that this simple, inexpensive and biological technique has many advantages over the existing methods of fixation of these fractures.