OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Herbert screws for the treatment of Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2012, 23 patients with Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by Herbert screws through Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Twenty-three patients (aged 18 to 52 years with a mean of 35.5 years, including 18 males and 5 females patients, 8 left hips and 15 right hips) with femoral head fractures and posterior hip dislocation. The fracture was classified according to Pipkin classification based on the radiographic findings, 5 patients had type I and 18 had type II fractures. The duration time from admission to the operation ranged from 6 to 72 h (averaged 32 h). The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients were measured using Thompson-Epstein scoring scale. The Harris hip score(HHS) was used to evaluate and compare hip functions at the latest follow-up between affected and healthy sides.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 20 to 48 months (averaged 30 months). According to Thompson-Epstein system, 12 patients got an excellent result, 6 good, 4 fair and 1 poor. The average HHS at the finial follow-up was 87.80 ± 8.46 (ranged from 66 to 95), which is similar to that in the healthy side 90.10 ± 6.35 (ranged from 72 to 98) (t = 1.044, P = 0.302). The complications such as deep infection, and deep vein thrombosis were not found. At the 3rd year during follow-up,4 patients had avascular necrosis of femoral head. At the 1st year of follow-up, 1 patient had hip pain after walking,screws loosening and shift after trauma,and serious complications of traumatic arthritis. All the 5 patients were treated with total hip arthroplasties.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of internal fixation with Herbert screws through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach is effective for Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fracture. The method is reliable and valuable for recommendation. However, such fracture may have avascular necrosis of femoral head and complication of traumatic arthritis, which should be observed carefully in clinic with preparation of the prevention and treatment measures.