What is fracture of the neck of the femur?
The neck of the femur is the junction between the head of the femur, which is inserted into the pelvis, and the vertical part of the femur. The neck of the femur is the most fragile part of this bone because it is elbow-shaped. In the elderly, the neck of the femur is fractured most often after a simple fall from a height (although occasionally the fracture is spontaneous and causes the fall). As we age, the bone weakens because of osteoporosis. Elderly women are therefore more prone to this type of fracture than men. The risk of falling can be accentuated by eyesight, hearing or balance problems, or by certain medical treatments. In young subjects, the fracture is the result of severe trauma, such as a road accident. Fractures of the neck of the femur often have very serious consequences. It can bring into doubt the vital prognosis of an elderly person and often results in a loss of autonomy and the obligation to leave one’s home. In young patients, the re-education period is long and
