Application of Trochanteric Flip Osteotomy with Herbert Screw to Treat Pipkin I,II Fracture of the Femoral Head

There is no definite protocol in management of Pipkin fracture in relation to operation approach and internal fixations. The aim is to explore the therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Herbert screws for the treatment of Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures through the trochanteric flip osteotomy (TFO) approach. From January 2010 to December 2014, 12 cases of type I and II Pipkin fracture (including 8 type I,4 type II) treated through TFO approach and internal fixation with Herbert screws. All the patients were followed up 1-4 years with an average of 2.6 years. The whole osteotomies and acetabular fractures healed within 6 to 12 weeks. All patients achieved healing of femoral head fracture after 12-16 months without femoral head necrosis. Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurred in 1 cases after operation which were left untreated. At the last follow-up, excellent and good rate was 91.7%. Treatment of type I, II Pipkin fracture through TFO approach can provide good visualization and protect of the femoral head blood supply. The treatment of internal fixation with Herbert screws is effective for Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fracture.