Femoral neck fracture

Background

• Common in older patients with osteoporosis; rarely seen in younger patients

Clinical Features

• Typically minimal bruising (intracapsular)
• If fractured and displaced: externally rotated and shortened
• If non-displaced: patient may be ambulatory

Differential Diagnosis

Femur fractures

Proximal

• Intracapsular
  • Femoral head fracture
  • Femoral neck fracture
• Extracapsular
  • Intertrochanteric femur fracture
  • Trochanteric femur fracture

Shaft

• Mid-shaft femur fracture (all subtrochanteric)

Evaluation

30% of patients with symptoms suggestive of fracture but negative x-rays have fracture on MRI

Location of femur fractures

• Consider AP pelvis in addition to AP/lateral views to compare contralateral side
• Consider MRI if strong clinical suspicion but negative x-ray

Management

• Ortho consult
• Skeletal traction is contraindicated (may compromise femoral head blood flow)

Disposition

• Admit

See Also

• Femur fracture

References

Authors

Ross Donaldson, Daniel Ostermayer, Neil Young