IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Avascular necrosis of the hip - post subcapital fracture

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Neck of femur fracture in 2008, with dynamic hip screw removed. Now hip pain.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Malunited subcapital fracture in valgus position with secondary changes in the femoral head including sclerosis and flattening with irregularity of the articular surface, suggestive of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Case Discussion

One of the major complications of subcapital fracture pinning is secondary avascular necrosis thus in older patients the orthopods will remove and replace with a Moore or unipolar prosthesis or total hip prosthesis if the acetabular surface is degenerate.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.