Femoral Neck Fracture !
A femoral neck fracture is a break just below the ball of the hip, common in older adults after a fall; it can cut the blood supply to the head.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.
In histology
Why it happens
What it is
Break in the neck of the femur, common in older adults after a fall, and in younger people after high-energy trauma.
Causes
- Low-energy fall in osteoporotic bone
- High-energy trauma
Risk factors
- Osteoporosis
- Older age
- Female sex
- Falls
Symptoms and signs
- Inability to bear weight
- Shortened and externally rotated leg
- Groin or thigh pain
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- Exam and inability to walk
- Imaging
- X-ray; CT or MRI if occult
Treatment
- Surgical
- Fixation or hip replacement depending on displacement, age, and bone quality.
Complications
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Nonunion
- Increased mortality in older adults
Related conditions
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Intertrochanteric hip fracture
- Femoral shaft fracture
- Hip dislocation
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
- Osteoporosis
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Femoral Neck Fractures (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
