Femoral Neck Fractures-What You Should Know

A bad fall can be especially dangerous in people in Kansas City who are at risk for broken bones. Serious injuries can result, including a femoral neck fracture. The incidence of femoral neck fractures in the United States is about 250,000 per year. Most of these fractures occur in older adults.

Femoral neck fractures

Below the ball-and-socket hip joint is an area of bone that connects to the femur, or thigh bone. This area is called the femoral neck. When the ball of the hip joint becomes disconnected from the femur following a fall, a femoral neck fracture has occurred. Most commonly the result of a fall, femoral neck fractures often result in an interruption of the blood flow to the fractured bone. With the blood supply stopped, hip fractures that occur in the femoral neck are at increased risk of not healing. Fractures that are badly displaced are especially difficult to heal.

Who's at risk?

Femoral neck fractures are most prevalent in the elderly. Certain conditions add to the likelihood that a bad fall will result in a femoral neck fracture. Elderly white women are at highest risk for femoral neck fractures. Women in this category run a high risk for osteoporosis, the leading contributing factor for this type of hip fracture. Osteoporosis occurs when the bones begin to lose density, becoming porous and fragile.

Other risk factors include:

• Impaired vision
• Neurological problems and slower reflexes
• Problems with balance
• Decreased physical condition
• Poor nutrition

Some femoral neck fractures happen following a single fall; others occur as a result of minor stress fractures that weaken the bone over time. The incidence of death from femoral fractures is around ten percent.

What are the treatment options?

For many patients under 65, there options other than surgery to consider. Hip replacements tend to wear out too quickly in more active patients. Other treatment options are considered first. Hip pinning may be considered for younger patients. This procedure involves the placement of several screws in bone. The success rate for this procedure is higher for less severe fractures; however, hip pinning may be attempted in younger patients even when a more serious fracture occurs.

Partial hip replacement surgery is generally considered for older patients. Known clinically as hip hemiarthroplasty, partial hip replacements involve replacing the ball in the hip joint with prosthesis. The surgery is performed on patients under general anesthesia. The ball is removed through an incision over the hip. Recovery time is generally quick; patients are able to return to walking and report feeling much better after the surgery.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of an accident that resulted in a femoral hip fracture, you may have questions about your rights. For more information, download a free copy of our guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim. The Kansas City personal injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys may help you find answers to your questions. Call 888-348-2616 to set up a free consultation.

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