Slovenská chirurgia 4/2022

Factors influencing developement of avascular necrosis of femoral head following femoral neck fracture

Avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) is one of the most common complications after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures which can require secondary surgical intervention. In contemporary studies the rates for ANFH after internal fixation range from 7% to 53%. ANFH is a progressive multifactorial process which causes osteocyte necrosis and leads to the collapse of the bone structures. ANFH is caused by an alteration of blood supply to the femoral head that is affected by fracture displacement or tamponade effect of intracapsular haematoma. The alteration of blood supply eventually leads to local ischemia of femoral head. Several factors have been identified as having an influence on the development of ANFH. A knowledge of these factors can be very useful in potentially reducing the risk of the induction of ANFH as well as timely diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: avascular necrosis, femoral neck fracture, tamponade effect, intracapsular haematoma