Delayed Presentation of Ipsilateral Femoral Neck Fractures in Diaphyseal Femur Fractures

Femoral neck fractures with delayed presentation following ipsilateral femoral diaphyseal fracture
stabilization have been described as clandestine, attributed to missed diagnosis, or related to surgical
technique. Clandestine fractures are present from time of injury but not detectable. The authors
hypothesize that femoral neck fractures with delayed presentation can be clandestine, missed, or caused
by surgical technique. A retrospective study and a comprehensive literature review are presented to
determine the true incidence and etiology of these fractures. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
14(2):77–81, 2005)
Key words: delayed, femoral neck, fractures