Fractured femur/neck of femur

The femur, or thigh bone, is considered to be the strongest and longest bone in the body. The head of the femur (ball) articulates with the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis to form the hip joint and the neck of femur is the part of the bone just underneath the ball. Fractures to this bone can cause huge disruptions to your life.

What causes a fractured femur/neck of femur?

The most common cause of fractured femurs or neck of femurs is falls. The older population tend to be the group of people most affected by this injury, perhaps due to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Younger people may also suffer a fractured femur or neck of femur but the cause of this would usually be via a higher impact force such as a road traffic accident or significant collision during contact sport for example.

On rare occasions these fractures can happen for no obvious reason. Therefore it is essential that your Doctor is fully aware of the mechanism of injury so that he/she can decide whether further investigations are needed.

What are the symptoms of fractured femur/neck of femur?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Pain in the hip and leg, increased on movement
Tenderness to touch on the leg and hip
The affected leg may be shorter than the unaffected leg
Swelling in the upper leg and hip

Treatment for a fractured femur/neck of femur

The type of treatment provided will depend on the extent of your injury. Some fractures will be immobilised in a plaster of paris and more complex fractures may require surgery. Neck of femur fractures may involve partial or total hip replacement.

Physiotherapy treatment for a fractured femur/neck of femur

You will usually be seen by a physiotherapist at hospital in the early stages of your injury to help you to get out of bed and to mobilise with a walking aid. Many people find that further physiotherapy input, once they have been discharged from hospital, is essential for optimal recovery and speedy return to full function.