Neck of femur fracture complications(MCQ) 

Q. Which of the following is not the complication of neck of femur fracture?

a. Malunion

b. Osteoarthritis

c. Non-union

d. Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)

Answer: a. Malunion

👉Malunion is encountered in subtrochanteric fractures or extracapsular fractures but not in neck of femur fracture (intracapsular fracture). The term intracapsular fracture can be interchangeably used for neck of femur fracture so read the question carefully before answering.

👉Let’s make following definitions clear first then it will become easier to memorize complications:

Basicervical fractures: occur at the very distal extent of the femoral neck and anatomically are intracapsular injuries although due to the relative stability of the fracture they behave and are treated like intertrochanteric fractures (not commonly asked in exams but frequently confused).

Hip fracture: Hip fractures are defined as fractures that occur between the articular margin of the femoral head to 5 cm below the lesser trochanter.

Classification of hip fractures

👉Including other common complication of any hip fracture following complications are of significance:

1. neck of femur fracture fracture : Osteonecrosis, non-union and osteoarthritis.

2. Extracapsular fracture : Non-union, malunion and failed fixation

Though possible but non-union rarely occurs in intertrochanteric fractures.

Topic: Orthopaedics, Neck of femur fracture.

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