There is traditionally been a standard of care for a displaced femoral neck fracture that involves a partial replacement of the hip. This concept is being questioned with the review of results particularly in more active elderly individuals who fracture their hip. There is a movement to utilize total hip replacement for these individuals to try and improve function and decrease the revision rate of partial hip replacements. The benefit of complete hip replacement is better pain relief, better function, and better durability. The downside of this is an increased rate of dislocation. With the use of larger femoral heads the dislocation risk can hopefully be decreased and the improvement in function and pain relief realized without the price of increased dislocation. These are options that should be discussed with your surgeon when you or a family member is faced with this problem.
Approx. 3yrs ago I fractured my leftside femoral head. They inserted 3 screws in the bone, and I went on crutches for 18wks. I was told at the time just after surgery that they like to keep the screws in for a minimum of 2yrs, and that if it gave me pain or discomfort I could have them removed. What is the process for getting them removed as far as process and recovery. I know a visit would be required to help with a determination but just a general Idea would help me in my scheduling. They now are giving me quite abit of pain and discomfort. Thank you for any help and insight you can give me.
Dear Steve,
If the fracture is healed and no problems with the ball portion of your hip then the screws can be removed as an outpatient and you will be ok after 4-6 weeks.
William Barrett