Secondary analysis of the multicenter FAITH RCT (n=350) examining whether the degree of femoral neck shortening after internal fixation — classified as none, mild (≤5 mm), moderate (6–10 mm), or severe (>10 mm) — correlates with WOMAC hip function scores at 24 months in patients ≥50 years who achieved radiographic union.
When you fix a femoral neck fracture and see early shortening on follow-up films — even just a few millimeters. Counsel your patient that >5 mm of collapse predicts measurably worse hip function at two years regardless of whether the fracture ultimately unites.
Anatomic reduction and implant selection strategies that minimize fracture collapse are not cosmetic concerns; this study provides the patient-reported outcome data to back that conversation.
Secondary analysis of the multicenter FAITH RCT (n=350) examining whether the degree of femoral neck shortening after internal fixation — classified as none, mild (≤5 mm), moderate (6–10 mm), or severe (>10 mm) — correlates with WOMAC hip function scores at 24 months in patients ≥50 years who achieved radiographic union.
When you fix a femoral neck fracture and see early shortening on follow-up films — even just a few millimeters. Counsel your patient that >5 mm of collapse predicts measurably worse hip function at two years regardless of whether the fracture ultimately unites.
Anatomic reduction and implant selection strategies that minimize fracture collapse are not cosmetic concerns; this study provides the patient-reported outcome data to back that conversation.