Neck of femur fracture

Headline
Etiology Mechanism often trivial, combined with osteoporosis.
Epidemiology Risk factors for falls
Risk factors for osteoporosis:
Clinical presentation
Pathogenesis
Diagnostic investigations CT hip not seen on XR
XR pelvis: hopefully
Management See Garden classification below. Delayed fixation = risk of osteonecrosis.

radiographic signs

copied shamelessly from Radiopedia

  • Disruption of Shenton's line
  • lesser trochanter is more prominent due to external rotation of femur
  • femur often positioned in flexion and external rotation (due to unopposed iliopsoas)
  • asymmetry of lateral femoral neck/head
  • sclerosis in fracture plane
  • smudgy sclerosis from impaction
  • bone trabeculae angulated
  • non-displaced fractures may be subtle on x-ray

Garden classification

Based on AP views only

  • Type I - incomplete fracture, valgus impacted
  • Type II - complete fracture, nondisplaced
  • Type III - complete fracture, partially displaced - femoral head tilts into varus
  • Type IV - complete fracture, fully displaced
  • Type III and IV = unstable, need arthroplasty

management - depends on type of fracture

  • Intracapsular
    • undisplaced: internal fixation
    • displaced: THR > hemiarthroplasty in patients with better mobility
  • Intertrochanteric: DHS, intramedullary nail
  • Subtrochanteric: intramedullary nail