Challenging the dogma to 'always operate' acute hip fractures: a proof-of-concept pilot study for nonoperative management of undisplaced femoral neck fractures

Abstract Background The notion that all acute hip fractures are a surgical entity requiring either surgical fracture fixation or hip replacement represents a historic dogma, particularly within the orthopaedic community of the United States. The present study from a European regional trauma center was designed to challenge the notion that stable and undisplaced femoral neck fractures represent an absolute indication for surgical management. Methods The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that stable and undisplaced femoral neck fractures of the Garden types 1 and 2 can be safely managed nonoperatively. A retrospective observational cohort study was carried out at a regional orthopaedic trauma center in Germany from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021. The inclusion criteria specified patients older than 18 years suffering a