Why is a femur fracture especially dangerous?

What are the potential complications of a fractured femur? Complications of a fractured femur can be serious, even life threatening in some cases. If the fracture has broken through the skin, the possibility for infection is increased. Severe injuries with profuse bleeding may lead to circulatory collapse or shock.

How can femur fractures be prevented?

Steps to prevent fragile bones

1. Consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (see “Recommended Calcium and Vitamin D Intake” chart).
2. Exercise several times a week.
3. Ask your doctor about a bone mineral density test.
4. Ask about medications to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk.

How do you prevent a femoral neck fracture?

Another way to help prevent hip fracture is to engage in regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, or hiking. Exercise programs such as Tai Chi help promote strength and balance. Other preventive measures may include: Taking medications as prescribed by your physician to prevent bone loss.

Why are hip fractures so serious?

One common reason is their heightened risk of surgical and post-surgery complications. The initial trauma of the accident can be hard on a patient’s health. During recovery, a hip stress fracture can immobilize a patient for a long amount of time, potentially leading to blood clots and decreased muscle mass.

What is fracture neck of femur?

A fractured neck of femur (broken hip) is a serious injury, especially in older people. It is likely to be life changing and for some people life threatening. It occurs when the top part of the femur (leg bone) is broken, just below the ball and socket joint.

How can you reduce the risk of hip fractures in the elderly?

High-dose vitamin D (800 IU) and calcium (1200 mg) in combination are effective at reducing risk of hip fracture, especially in institutionalized elderly patients.

How can fracture injuries be prevented?

Prevention

1. Balance: Consider balance training and physical therapy if your body feels off.
2. Clutter removal: Keep your rooms picked up.
3. Lights: Make sure your rooms all have good lighting.
4. Rugs: Use skid-free mats under any rugs you need.
5. Shoes: Wear shoes – not just socks – when you’re home.

Is a femoral neck fracture the same as a hip fracture?

A femoral neck fracture is a type of hip fracture of the thigh bone (femur)—just below the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. This type of fracture disconnects the ball from the rest of the femur. It often causes groin pain that worsens when you putting weight on the injured leg.

Why is the femoral neck so commonly injured?

Causes: How a femoral neck fracture develops In older people, the most common cause of a femoral neck fracture is a fall onto the hip joint. The injury is usually favoured by osteoporosis, a condition in which the density of the bone is reduced.

How might a fracture of the femoral neck become complicated?

Femoral neck fractures can be complicated because the bone in that area is thin. And osteoporosis is often a contributing factor. In addition, the blood supply to the fractured portion of bone can be damaged at the time of injury, which impedes bone healing.

Why is femoral neck important?

The hip joint is the articulation of the femoral head with the acetabulum. The junctional location makes the femoral neck prone to fracture. The blood supply of the femoral head runs along the femoral neck and is an essential consideration in displaced fractures and patients in the younger population.