The Deyerle device for fixation of femoral neck fractures. A review of one hundred twenty-five consecutive cases

One hundred twenty-five consecutive femoral neck fractures were treated with Deyerle fixation in the ten-year period from 1970 to 1980. The 123 patients in the series of 125 fractures had a mean age of 62.2 years. Sixty-nine percent of the fractures were displaced. Fewer than nine pins were used in only eight cases. In 102 cases, impaction was recorded and quantitated. Pin penetration was noted in 44 cases (35%), and infection in 14 cases (11%). Sixty-four percent of the patients were followed for at least two years; 31 (39%) developed aseptic necrosis and five (6.3%) had nonunited fractures. Owing to the risks of increased operating time, blood loss, and technical difficulties encountered in the authors' teaching hospital, the method was discontinued.