Introduction/Definition
Even a simple fall can lead to a fracture of the femoral neck (syn. : femoral neck fracture or fracture of the femoral neck). In most cases, this affects older people suffering from osteoporosis.
As women suffer more frequently from a loss of bone substance due to hormonal changes in old age, they are particularly at risk. A femoral neck fracture is usually operated on. In the case of a medial femoral neck fracture, the installation of an artificial hip joint is considered.
Rapid remobilization plays an important role here. On average, the majority of patients are discharged from hospital for follow-up treatment after 10 days. The shorter the healing period, the faster the mobilization is started after the surgical procedure and the better the patient’s general state of health.
Duration of the surgery
The duration of the surgical procedure after a fracture of the femoral neck is 30 to 45 minutes on average. The surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the trauma, because it significantly influences the prognosis. The time window is 48 hours.
Basically, there are two possibilities in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. In younger patients under 60 years of age, the main focus is on preserving the bony structures. The surgical procedure is called osteosynthesis and includes the use of screws, plates and nails.
The aim is the optimal adaptation of the head and neck of the femur. The duration of the operation is about half an hour. A longer time elapses before complete healing and loading in osteosynthesis than in the implantation of a femoral head prosthesis.
In the case of a medial femoral neck fracture, there is a risk of reduced blood supply to the femoral head and subsequent death of the bone. The installation of an artificial hip joint – an endoprosthesis – is the method of choice for older patients over 70 years of age. It is carried out in a procedure lasting about 30 to 40 minutes. It is decided individually whether both femoral head and acetabulum (total endoprosthesis) or only the femoral head are replaced. Although the surgical procedure is larger than for osteosynthesis, the joint can be fully loaded again immediately afterwards.
