Information for Patients

Femoral neck fractures are fractures that occur within the capsular space of the hip joint. They are the subclassification of proximal femur fractures that involve the portion of the femur between the proximal intertrochanteric region and the articular surface of the femoral head. Femoral neck fractures are very common in the elderly and are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in society. It is no surprise that the incidence of hip fractures increases with age congruent with the increased incidence and severity of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the elderly. The diagnosis of femoral neck fracture is made by careful gathering of history and investigating for physical findings consistent with fracture of the proximal femur. Treatment options for femoral neck fractures include nNonoperative management, closed reduction with percutaneous pin fixation, Open reduction with internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and total hip arthroplasty.

This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of femoral neck fractures, and reviews the considerations for surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Specific surgical techniques reviewed in this article includ closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, and prosthetic replacement. Video is available.