Question 1

What is a neck of femur fracture?

Accepted Answer

The neck of femur (also called hip fracture or femoral neck fracture) is a break in the top part of your thighbone near your hip joint. The femoral neck is the narrow part connecting the ball of your hip to the main thighbone. This fracture is serious because it disrupts the blood supply to the bone and almost always requires surgery. It's very common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis. Most occur from simple falls at home.

Question 2

Why is hip fracture so serious?

Accepted Answer

Hip fractures are life-threatening injuries, especially in elderly. About 20-30% of patients die within a year of hip fracture (though many have multiple other health problems). Reasons it's serious: requires major surgery with anaesthetic risks, prolonged immobility leads to pneumonia and blood clots, many people never regain previous independence, high risk of entering residential care, and associated with significant pain and reduced quality of life. Early surgery and mobilisation are crucial to minimize risks.

Question 3

Do all hip fractures need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, almost all hip fractures need surgery. Non-surgical treatment leads to: severe uncontrolled pain, permanent bed confinement, very high complication rates (pneumonia, pressure sores, blood clots), and very poor quality of life. Surgery is recommended even for very elderly or frail patients unless they are imminently dying or have extreme surgical risks. Surgery allows pain relief and mobilisation, dramatically reducing complications. The risk of not operating almost always exceeds surgical risks.

Question 4

How soon will I have surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most hip fractures are operated within 24-48 hours in Australia. Early surgery (within 48 hours) improves outcomes and reduces complications and mortality. Surgery may be delayed if: you need medical stabilisation (heart failure, severe infection), you're on blood thinners that need reversing, or there are no available surgeons (rare in Australia). The goal is surgery within 36 hours of admission. If surgery is delayed beyond 48 hours, your risk of complications increases.

Question 5

What type of surgery will I have?

Accepted Answer

Depends on fracture location and your age/activity level. Intracapsular (neck) fractures: hemiarthroplasty (most common in elderly), total hip replacement (if young and active), or screw fixation (if undisplaced in younger patient). Intertrochanteric fractures: dynamic hip screw or intramedullary nail fixation. Your surgeon chooses based on fracture pattern, bone quality, your mobility level, and life expectancy. All allow early mobilisation.

Medical Disclaimer

Hip Fracture (Broken Hip)

📖What is Hip Fracture (Broken Hip)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention