Arthroscopic Fixation With Absorbable Suture Anchors for Pipkin Type I Femoral Head Fractures—Letter V Technique

Abstract

Femoral head fractures are relatively uncommon high-energy injuries and usually associated with traumatic hip dislocation. Pipkin classified these fractures into 4 types according to the location of the head fragment related to the fovea and associated lesions on the femoral neck or acetabulum. Traditional open reduction and internal fixation for femoral head fracture has been proven to be effective, but it could be associated with significant complications. Arthroscopic fixation with screws is a less-invasive alternative to open reduction and internal fixation that offers several advantages. However, technical challenges could be encountered during the procedure and catastrophic consequences could occur in cases of fixation failure. Therefore, we propose an effective arthroscopic technique for Pipkin type I (small fracture caudal to the fovea capitis) femoral head fractures that uses an absorbable suture anchors. The anchors provide initial stability to the fracture fragments, and then the sutures are tied in a double-pulley fashion to further secure the fracture. Finally, a triangular suture bridge (“letter V”) is created, which supplies a convenient and stable fixation for proper femoral head fracture.