β οΈ Key Point: Intracapsular fractures have a higher incidence of AVN (Avascular Necrosis) and non-union due to the femoral head blood supply.
π If displacement is minimal β internal fixation gives best outcome.
π If displaced β high risk of AVN, so prosthesis insertion is usually required.
βΉοΈ About
- 𦴠Intracapsular fractures carry high AVN risk.
- β οΈ 30% of patients die within 1 year.
- π΅ Most common in the elderly due to frailty and falls.
- π§ Patients often have multiple co-morbidities.
- 𦴠Osteoporosis is the major underlying factor.
π Epidemiology
- ~80,000 hip fractures per year in the UK.
- Numbers are rising as the population ages.
π§ Anatomy
𧬠Aetiology
- Falls + Osteoporosis are the commonest causes.
- The medial femoral circumflex artery supplies the femoral head β vulnerable in NOF fractures.
- Vascular compromise β ischaemia β AVN.
π Risk Factors for Bone Fragility
- Osteoporosis: age, inactivity, smoking, alcohol, low BMI, family history.
- Previous fragility fracture β doubles future fracture risk.
- Other causes: metastases, Pagetβs disease, osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, myeloma.
π€ Risk Factors for Falls
- Muscle weakness, gait or balance problems.
- Neurological diseases: Parkinsonβs, stroke.
- Poor vision.
- Medications: sedatives, hypnotics, diuretics, antihypertensives, alcohol.
π©Ί Clinical Features
- Pain + external rotation, adduction, and shortening of the affected leg.
- History: establish whether mechanical fall or medical cause (syncope, arrhythmia, hypotension).
- Check co-morbidities that influence management.
π Types of Fracture
- Intracapsular: High risk of AVN + non-union. Tx = hemiarthroplasty/THR.
- Subcapital & Transcervical: Common intracapsular fracture patterns.
ποΈ Garden Classification
- Type I: Incomplete fracture
- Type II: Complete, undisplaced
- Type III: Complete, partially displaced
- Type IV: Complete, fully displaced
π Extracapsular Fractures
- Trochanteric
- Transtrochanteric
- Subtrochanteric
Other Fractures
- Pubic ramus fractures (usually conservative).
- Acetabular fractures (conservative unless complex).
π Investigations
- Baseline bloods: FBC, U&E, clotting, group & save.
- CXR + ECG (pre-op assessment).
- Pelvic AP X-ray (compare both hips, check pubic rami).
- Lateral hip X-ray (often diagnostic when AP is normal).
- MRI/CT if X-rays inconclusive (10% occult fractures).
π‘οΈ Prevention
- Falls risk assessment + home/environment modifications.
- Muscle strengthening + balance retraining (e.g. Tai Chi).
- Bisphosphonates increase bone density, reduce fracture risk.
- Calcium, Vitamin D, Β± HRT can reduce risk.
π Mortality: 10% at 30 days, 30% at 12 months (reflecting frailty + co-morbidities).
π οΈ Treatment Options
- Conservative: For patients unfit for surgery β bed rest, analgesia, physio. Poor outcomes.
- Surgical: Standard of care.
- Internal fixation: For undisplaced intracapsular (cannulated screws/DHS). Also for young with displaced fractures.
- Hemiarthroplasty: For older patients with displaced fractures β faster recovery.
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): For active elderly/younger displaced fractures β better function long term, higher surgical risk.
- Intramedullary nailing: For extracapsular/subtrochanteric fractures β early mobilisation.
- DHS: For intertrochanteric fractures β controlled collapse and healing.
In frail elderly after a hip fracture, annual IV zoledronate not only prevents further fractures but also reduces mortality. This is unique among osteoporosis treatments and why geriatricians are so keen to give it post-fracture. 5 mg IV once yearly, infused over at least 15 minutes. Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium before infusion (correct hypocalcaemia).
π©Ί Management
- ABC resuscitation.
- Analgesia (including fascia iliaca block).
- IV fluids & electrolyte correction.
- Orthogeriatric review early.
- Admit + imaging if unable to walk or occult fracture suspected.
- Assess mental state, pressure sore risk, nutrition.
- Surgery:
- Intracapsular undisplaced β cannulated screws.
- Intracapsular displaced β hemiarthroplasty or THR if fit.
- Extracapsular β screws/nailing depending on pattern.
- VTE prophylaxis β stockings + LMWH/DOAC until mobilising.
πββοΈ Post-Surgical Care & Rehabilitation
- Early mobilisation with physio β prevents DVT, improves outcomes.
- Pain management + infection prophylaxis.
- Monitor for complications: infection, non-union, prosthetic dislocation.
- Rehab programmes: strength, balance, gait training β reduce future falls.
β οΈ Complications
- AVN (esp. intracapsular fractures).
- Non-union (esp. displaced fractures).
- Osteoarthritis.
- DVT/PE.
- Surgical site infection, prosthetic dislocation.
π Prognosis
- Outcome depends on age, co-morbidities, and rapidity of surgery.
- Mortality: ~30% at 1 year, largely due to frailty not fracture itself.
- Good surgical + rehab care β mobility and independence can be maintained.
β
Conclusion
Fractured neck of femur is a major orthopaedic emergency, common in elderly patients with osteoporosis and falls.
Intracapsular fractures are particularly high risk due to compromised blood supply β AVN + non-union.
Prompt surgical management (fixation or replacement), multidisciplinary orthogeriatric input, and effective rehab are key to improving survival and function.
π References