The Femoral Neck System (FNS) is an implant system developed for use in osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures (FNFs). In comparison to total hip arthroplasty, osteosynthesis of FNFs preserves the femoral head and is a valuable treatment option for younger patients. Before the development of the FNS, osteosynthesis for FNFs were commonly done using sliding hip screws (SHS) or cancellous screws (CS), but on average the reported complication rates have been high.

The FNS received CE marks in 2017. In the past years, clinical studies—all retrospective studies—began to appear in the literature. These studies point to a lower complication rate for the FNS compared with the SHS or the CS. However, due to the retrospective study design, these results are weakened by the numerous potential confounding factors. Under the lead of Karl Stoffel and Christoph Sommer, AO ITC Clinical Operations and Clinical Science conducted the first prospective, observational study on the FNS in 125 patients followed up for 1 year, which was published in 2022. The study revealed a lower complication rate within 1 year after surgery and a restoration of patients' hip function and quality of life to preinjury level. The article also considered whether it is appropriate to treat patients aged between 60 and 80 years with osteosynthesis.

For details, refer to the original publication:

Stoffel K, Michelitsch C, Arora R et al Clinical performance of the Femoral Neck System within 1 year in 125 patients with acute femoral neck fractures, a prospective observational case series. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-022-04686-w