What is a subcapital femur neck fracture?
A subcapital femur neck fracture is a break in the neck of the femur, which is the part of the bone that connects the head of the femur to the shaft of the femur. The neck of the femur is a thin and weak bone, so subcapital femur neck fractures are more common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis.
Classification of a subcapital femur fracture
Subcapital femur neck fractures are classified according to the location of the break. The most common type of subcapital femur neck fracture is a transcervical fracture, which occurs across the neck of the femur. Other types of subcapital femur neck fractures include basicervical fractures, which occur in the base of the neck of the femur, and cervico-trochanteric fractures, which occur at the junction of the neck and trochanters.
Location of the subcapital femoral neck
The subcapital femoral neck is located in the upper part of the femur, just below the head of the femur. The neck of the femur is responsible for connecting the head of the femur to the shaft of the femur. The head of the femur is a ball-shaped structure that fits into the socket of the pelvis, called the acetabulum. The shaft of the femur is the long, cylindrical part of the bone that extends down to the knee.
Treatment of a subcapital femur neck fracture
The treatment of a subcapital femur neck fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, the fracture may be able to be treated with non-surgical methods, such as pain medication, crutches, and physical therapy. However, most subcapital femur neck fractures require surgery to repair the break.
The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the specific fracture. However, some common surgical procedures for subcapital femur neck fractures include:
- Internal fixation: This involves using screws, plates, or nails to hold the bones in place.
- Hip arthroplasty: This involves replacing the hip joint with a prosthetic joint.
Muscles that attach to the femoral neck
The femoral neck is attached to several muscles, including:
- The iliopsoas muscle: This muscle is responsible for flexing the hip.
- The sartorius muscle: This muscle is responsible for flexing the hip and rotating the thigh outward.
- The pectineus muscle: This muscle is responsible for flexing the hip and rotating the thigh inward.
Arteries involved in femoral neck fracture
The femoral neck is supplied by several arteries, including:
- The femoral artery: This is the main artery that supplies blood to the thigh.
- The lateral circumflex femoral artery: This artery supplies blood to the lateral side of the thigh.
- The medial circumflex femoral artery: This artery supplies blood to the medial side of the thigh.
How is a femoral neck fracture treated?
The treatment of a femoral neck fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, the fracture may be able to be treated with non-surgical methods, such as pain medication, crutches, and physical therapy. However, most femoral neck fractures require surgery to repair the break.
The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the specific fracture. However, some common surgical procedures for femoral neck fractures include:
- Internal fixation: This involves using screws, plates, or nails to hold the bones in place.
- Hip arthroplasty: This involves replacing the hip joint with a prosthetic joint.
How do you treat a femoral neck fracture?
The treatment of a femoral neck fracture is a complex process that depends on the severity of the fracture and the patient's individual circumstances. However, the general steps involved in treating a femoral neck fracture include:
- Initial assessment: The patient will be assessed by a doctor to determine the severity of the fracture and to rule out any other injuries.
- Imaging: The patient will have X-rays or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the extent of the fracture.
- Treatment: The patient will be treated with pain medication, crutches, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture.
- Recovery: The recovery time from a femoral neck fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the type of treatment that was performed. However, most patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery.
Conclusion
A subcapital femur neck fracture is a serious injury, but it can be treated successfully. If you think that you may have a subcapital femur neck fracture, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can