Case Report Conclusion:
It is clear from the x-ray in this case that the patient suffered a subcapital femoral neck fracture. Additionally, we can classify this fracture as “intracapsular” meaning the fracture occurred within the confines of the capsule (review the attachments of the capsule above).
Recall that the radicular arteries penetrate the capsule and supply most of the head and neck of the femur. In the case of an intracapsular fracture the blood supply is disrupted and will likely result in avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The artery to the head of the femur (branch of the obturator artery) may be the only blood supply to the head. Most of the time, though, in the elderly, this artery is occluded and does not supply an adequate amount of blood. Therefore the only option for treatment is surgery to stabilize the fracture (often a hemiarthroplasty).
|
