Context

Fractured neck of femur is an important injury for many reasons; it is common, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose and its incidence is increasing.

The majority of fractures are caused by falls in the elderly and the fracture usually occurs through osteoporotic bone.

Patients who fracture their neck of femur commonly also have multiple co-morbidities which contributes to the high mortality rate associated with this injury. Multi-disciplinary care is key to the acute and chronic management of this cohort of patients during their hospital admission, and many hospitals have dedicated pathways to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

Emergency physicians do not need to know details of the surgical management of this condition but need to know enough about the principles of management to advise patients and their relatives about the likely treatment and outcome.