Outcome of Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki

Femoral neck fractures in adults, particularly the elderly, represent one of the most challenging injuries in orthopaedic practice due to the risk of avascular necrosis, non-union, and significant mortality. This retrospective descriptive study reviews the outcomes of internal fixation procedures for femoral neck fractures at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria, over a three-year period. Case records of patients who underwent dynamic hip screw fixation or cannulated cancellous screw fixation will be reviewed for patient age, fracture classification (Garden classification), pre-operative delay, implant used, post-operative complications, and functional outcomes at three and six months assessed using the Harris Hip Score. Rates of avascular necrosis, implant failure, wound infection, and re-operation will be calculated. The study hypothesises that pre-operative delay exceeding 48 hours significantly increases complications. Results will be shared with the orthopaedic department for protocol review and with the hospital administration to advocate for expedited surgical pathways for hip fracture patients. This research addresses a knowledge gap in hip fracture management outcomes at a relatively new but growing teaching hospital in the South East zone. Findings will contribute to the limited but growing literature on hip fracture surgery in sub-Saharan African tertiary care settings. Keywords: femoral neck fracture, internal fixation, avascular necrosis, Abakaliki, Harris Hip Score.