Risk factors for avascular necrosis in pediatric femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
摘要
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a severe complication following pediatric femoral neck fractures (PFNFs). Identifying risk factors for AVN is critical for guiding timely treatment and follow-up. However, prior studies report inconsistent associations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors associated with AVN after PFNFs.
MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through April 30, 2025. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between potential risk factors and AVN. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were performed.
ResultsThirty-four studies comprising 1332 pediatric patients (1340 fractures) were included. Older age (≥ 12 years; RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.09–1.82), Delbet type I/II fractures (RR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.60–2.39), initial displacement (RR = 2.98, 95% CI 2.04–4.35), and poor reduction quality (RR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.46–4.05) were significantly associated with increased AVN risk. Gender, injury mechanism, time to reduction, and reduction method showed no overall association. Meta-regression identified follow-up duration as a significant moderator. Subgroup analyses of long-term follow-up (≥ 5 years) revealed that delayed reduction increased AVN risk (RR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.35–5.11), while closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) reduced risk compared to open reduction (RR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.24–0.65). Subgroup differences between long-term and short-term follow-up were both statistical significant.
ConclusionsOlder age, Delbet type I/II classification, initial displacement, and poor reduction quality are significant predictors of AVN following PFNFs. Early reduction and CRIF may provide superior long-term outcomes. Further high-quality prospective studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.