Fractured Neck of Femur

Author: Henry R Guly / Editor: John P Sloan, Amanda King / Reviewer: James Waiting, Amanda King / Code: A6 / Published: 05/03/2021

Description:

Fracture of the neck of the femur is a common injury and the incidence is increasing although it is not always easy to diagnose. The majority of fractures are caused by falls in the elderly and the fracture usually occurs through osteoporotic bone. Intracapsular and extracapsular fractures are described together with risk factors, interventions and possible treatments.

After completing this session you will be able to:

• Describe the clinical and radiological features of fractured neck of femur (NOF)
• Explain the pitfalls in the diagnosis of fractured NOF and describe the use of other imaging modalities (e.g. MRI) to overcome these
• List the pathologies that predispose an elderly patient to a fractured NOF
• Describe how these pathologies may be managed with the aim of preventing fractures
• Plan the emergency department treatment and referral of a patient with a fractured NOF
• Recommend the further treatment that will be required

References:

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2. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Prevention and management of hip fracture in older people. Pub SIGN 2002
3. National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Falls. The assessment and prevention of falls in older people. Pub NICE 2004. View pdf
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10. Further guidance has been published by NHS Evidence. Ref: NHS Evidence. Annual Evidence update on Hip Fracture 2009.