Exploration of clinical subtypes and new reduction strategies for Garden type I femoral neck fractures
10.3760/cma.j.cn121113-20250309-00237
- VernacularTitle:股骨颈骨折GardenⅠ型临床亚型的制订及其复位策略探讨
- Author:
Jiacheng ZANG
1
;
Yumin WANG
1
;
Yinguang ZHANG
1
;
Xinlong MA
1
Author Information
1. 天津市天津医院（天津大学天津医院）髋关节外科，天津 300211
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Femoral neck fracture;
Closed fracture reduction;
Fracture fixation, internal;
Treatment outcome;
Garden classification
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2025;45(12):795-802
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study aims to explore clinical subtypes of Garden typeⅠfemoral neck fractures and develop corresponding reduction strategies based on the characteristics of the fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 256 patients with Garden type I femoral neck fractures admitted to Tianjin Hospital from January 2015 to January 2018. There were 89 males and 167 females included, with a mean age of 56.5±12.8 years (range, 17-86 years), and with 159 on the left side and 97 on the right side. According to the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray images, the fractures were further classified into two subtypes: 111 cases of Garden type I a (simple abduction without hypsokinesis of the femoral head), characterized by abduction and impaction of the femoral head on anteroposterior images, and no obvious hypsokinesis of the femoral head or only central impaction of the femoral head on lateral images; 145 cases of Garden I b type (femoral head abduction with hypsokinesis), characterized by abduction and impaction of the femoral head on anteroposterior images, and remarkable hypsokinesis on lateral images. The injury mechanism of type I a involved abduction and impaction caused by the violent extension, abduction, and external rotation of the hip joint. Mild flexion and adduction of the hip joint can be used to reduce the abduction and impaction. The injury mechanism of type I b is similar to type Ia in the first stage, but the violence continues to increase and leading to significant hypsokinesis of the femoral head. Reduction was achieved by excessive flexion, adduction, and mild internal rotation, tilting the femoral head backward to facilitate reduction. The surgical strategy were close reduction and cannulated screw fixation (three cannulated screws in an "inverted triangle" arrangement). Postoperatively, anteroposterior and lateral X-rays were taken immediately to assess the quality of reduction, including the Garden index, Lowell "S" curve, and screw placement. During follow-up, fracture healing and complications were recorded, and Harris score was used to evaluate hip joint function at the final follow-up.Results:All patients successfully received operative therapy and were followed up with a mean of 7.1±1.9 years (range, 5-10 years). Garden index showed 91.4%(234/256) achieved anatomical reduction, with an excellent reduction rate of 97.3%(249/256). The excellent rate of the Lowell "S" curve was 97.7%(250/256), and the excellent and good rate for screw insertion was 98.8%(253/256). All patients achieved primary fracture healing without infection, nonunion of fractures, failure of internal fixation, or other complications. Two patitents with Garden I b fractures (0.8%) developed femoral head necrosis due to premature weight-bearing at 9 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, after fracture healing. However, with strict hip preservation treatment, their symptoms resolved without further progression of necrosis or need for reoperation. At the final follow-up, the mean Harris score was 93.9±4.5 points (range, 81-100 points), with an excellent and good rate of 98.8%(253/256).Conclusions:Garden I femoral neck fractures can be categorized into two subtypes based on their characteristics and injury mechanisms. Adopting corresponding reduction methods according to subtypes can achieve anatomical reduction and favorable early to mid-stage therapeutic outcomes (primary fracture healing and low incidence of femoral head necrosis).
