Wound infections following nailing of femoral neck fractures

Among 1730 patients with cervical hip fracture treated with internal fixation without prophylactic antibiotics, we found thirty-two cases (1.8 %) of deep infection within a two year follow up. The infections were caused by Staphylococcus aureus in twelve and S. epidermidis in seven cases. The diagnosis was suspected during the first two weeks in twelve patients and in all but three within 6 months. One to three secondary operations per patient were made because of the infection. Thirteen total hip artroplasties and 13 resections of the femoral head were made.