FEMORAL NECK SHORTENING AFTER CANNULATED SCREW FIXATION OF HIP #: INCIDENCE & EFFECT ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME

Purpose: To determine if femoral neck shortening after cannulated screw fixation has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Methods: Restrospective Observational Study. Database Review of 3 hospitals 1998–2003. Criteria: Inclusion: successfully treated hip# with cannulated screws. Exclusion:non union, malunion, implant failure, contralateral arthroplasty, death, dementia, illiterate, acute illness. Pts were evaluated with radiographic and outcome studies. Contralateral hip was the control for assessing radiographic parameters. Results: 56 eligible, 13 met criteria (12 non displaced, 1 displaced). Average(avg)follow up:31 months. 8 pts had femoral neck shortening greater than 5mm, avg abductor moment shortening of 8+/− 2.7mm, avg femoral neck shortening of 6+/−1.9mm in shortened pts. Significant differences (sf-36 subscales)between shortened and non shortened pts. Role physical 53 vs 95 (p=0.04) and physical function 50 vs 91 (p=0.01). Conclusions: Femoral neck shortening after fixation is associated with a negative effect impact on quality of life.