Femoral Neck Fracture

What is the "official" definition of Femoral Neck Fracture?

A Femoral Neck Fracture, also called an Intracapsular Fracture, occurs at the level of the neck and the head of the femur, and is generally within the capsule. The capsule is the soft-tissue envelope that contains the lubricating and nourishing fluid of the hip joint itself. The fracture can be partial or complete.

What is the "incidence" of Femoral Neck Fracture in the United States?

More than 250,000 femoral neck fractures occur in the United States each year

Which classification is Femoral Neck Fracture? Additive or Destructive

Neither. May be considered additive depending on the amount of swelling present, in which case the technique should be raised to allow for sufficient penetration.

What is the "prevalence" of Femoral Neck Fracture in the United States?

The lifetime risk of a femoral neck fracture in a 50-year-old individual has been estimated to be 4.6% in males and 13.9% in women.

Under which "causative agent" can Femoral Neck Fracture be classified?

exogenous: Trauma/physical agents

What is the "mortality rate" of Femoral Neck Fracture in the United States?

Hip fractures in the elderly are associated with high 1-year mortality rates. Surgical delay greater than 4 days increases the 6-month and 1-year mortality risks.

What is the "etiology" (causes) of Femoral Neck Fracture?

Hip fractures most commonly occur from a fall or from a direct blow to the side of the hip (which can occur by accident or during abuse cases). Some medical conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, or stress injuries can weaken the bone and make the hip more susceptible to breaking. In severe cases, it is possible for the hip to break with the patient merely standing on the leg and twisting. Femoral neck fractures in young patients are usually caused by high-energy trauma.

What is the "morbidity rate" of Femoral Neck Fracture in the United States?

It is estimated that in the United States 320,000 people -- mostly elderly and women -- sustain this fracture that results in their hospitalization.

Radiographically, how is Femoral Neck Fracture portrayed on a general imaging study?

Non-displaced fracture looks like a crack a displaced looks foreshortened in the AP position and the head of the femur looks like it is broken off in the lateral position.

What is the "prognosis" of Femoral Neck Fracture?

Only one in four patients with hip fractures recovers completely. For true intracapsular hip fractures (Femoral Neck Fractures), the surgeon may decide either to fix the fracture with individual screws (percutaneous pinning) or a single larger screw that slides within the barrel of a plate. Most older patient will receive hip replacements, younger patients may have internal fixation devices installed.