At Gadge Hospital, under the expert care of Dr. Gadge, we recently managed a highly challenging orthopedic case involving neglected fractures of both the femoral neck and femoral shaft.
Patient History
The patient had suffered a major injury around nine months ago and underwent surgery elsewhere for a fracture of the femoral shaft, where an intramedullary rod was inserted. However, at that time, the associated fracture of the femoral neck was not treated.
Over the following months, the patient continued to experience severe pain and inability to walk properly. When the patient visited us after nine months, further evaluation and X-rays revealed a serious condition:
- Non-union of the femoral shaft fracture
- Non-union of the femoral neck fracture
- Damage to the hip joint ball (femoral head)
- Significant stiffness and loss of movement in the hip joint
Because of these complications, the patient had remained unable to walk for the past nine months.
Our Surgical Plan
Considering the condition of the hip joint and the long-standing non-union, our treatment strategy includes:
1. Removal of Existing Rod
The previously inserted rod will be carefully removed from the femur.
2. Total Hip Replacement
Since the hip joint has been damaged, a complete hip replacement surgery will be performed to restore pain-free movement and function.
3. Shaft Fracture Fixation with Plate
The lower femur shaft fracture will be stabilized using a strong plate fixation system.
4. Bone Grafting
To enhance healing, we will use:
- Synthetic bone graft
- Natural bone graft
These grafts help stimulate bone healing and improve the chances of union.
Expected Recovery
We expect the fractures to heal in approximately 2 to 3 months. With rehabilitation and physiotherapy, the patient is expected to gradually regain walking ability within around three months.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of combined femoral neck and shaft fractures. If one fracture is missed or untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as:
- Non-union
- Joint damage
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
Expert Orthopedic Care
At Gadge Hospital, Dr. Gadge specializes in complex trauma surgery, fracture management, and joint replacement procedures aimed at restoring movement and improving quality of life.