IN THIS study 347 cases of nonunion of the neck of the femur seen at the Campbell Clinic from 1918 through 1949 were reviewed. Nonoperative cases as well as operative cases were analyzed. It was thought that a statistical analysis of the nontreatment group would be of value not only from a simple informative standpoint but also as a basis for comparison with the treated group.
The cases were classified in four groups on the basis of results: excellent, good, fair, and poor (Table 1). Those classified as excellent or good were considered satisfactory, while cases in the fair and poor groups were considered unsatisfactory. In the fair group partial weight could be borne on the affected limb. However, the hip function was usually limited and painful, and the x-ray findings were generally poor.
We were able to classify 277 cases. In 120 cases no treatment was given; in 157