Is Emergency Surgery an Indicator of Good Functional Outcomes in Neck of Femur Fractures Among Adults: A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract

BackgroundBecause of their high frequency and severity, femoral neck fractures are a major public health concern. There is a scarcity of recorded literature that relates the timing of surgery, the effect of displacement, and the tamponade effect of the neck of the femur fracture (FNF) issues such as non-union and avascular necrosis of the femoral head after surgery. This study aimed to assess the association between the timing of the surgery and its functional outcome and surgical complications. MethodologyThis observational study was done among patients diagnosed with an FNF who were admitted in a tertiary care center for a period of three years. The study included 36 participants who were selected using the universal sampling technique. Regarding the timing of the surgery, the study participants were divided into two groups, namely, patients who were operated on before 24 hours and those who were operated on after 24 hours. ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 36.19 years, and about 75% were males. About 25% of the participants had a complication. There was a statistically significant association between functional assessment at 24 months and surgery done before 24 hours and non-displaced fracture. Moreover, there was a statistically significant association between the timing of surgery before 24 hours and fewer complications. ConclusionsIn young adults, the timing of the surgery (before 24 hours) had good functional outcomes after 24 months than the late timing of the surgery (after 24 hours). Whereas there was no statistically significant difference for functional outcomes at the one-month follow-up with the timing of the surgery. Males had a high probability of getting an FNF. The prevalence of complications was low in individuals operated on before 24 hours.