A femoral neck fracture occurs when the bone that connects the head of the femur to the shaft is broken. This particular part of the femur is thinner than other sections, making it more susceptible to fractures. It’s worth noting that despite the femur being a thigh bone, femoral neck fractures are categorized as hip fractures due to the close proximity of the femoral neck to the hip joint. In fact, experts estimate that almost half of all hip fractures are femoral neck fractures. This is mainly because the femur and hip joint bear different loads and tend to weaken as we age.
Who is at highest risk for femoral neck fractures?
Individuals who are over the age of 65 and suffer from osteoporosis are at the highest risk for experiencing femoral neck fractures. While younger individuals can also experience these fractures, they account for only three to ten percent of cases and can be as young as 12 to 50 years old. Moreover, women are more prone to hip fractures compared to men. Although the United States has one of the highest rates of hip fractures worldwide, this number is gradually decreasing. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to higher rates of injury, although this may be attributed more to an increased likelihood of falling rather than any physiological changes.
Causes of Femoral Neck Fractures
Understanding the causes of femoral neck fractures is crucial in order to prevent and treat these injuries effectively. In older adults, these fractures commonly occur as fragility fractures, which are often a result of falls or trauma. This is especially prevalent in individuals with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. On the other hand, in young adults, femoral neck fractures typically occur due to major traumatic events, such as car accidents.