Femoral neck

Femoral Neck

The femoral neck is a crucial anatomical structure located in the upper part of the thigh bone, known as the femur. It connects the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the femur) to the shaft of the bone. The femoral neck plays a vital role in supporting body weight and facilitating movement of the hip joint. In this article, we will explore the anatomy, function, common injuries, and treatment options related to the femoral neck.

Anatomy

The femoral neck is a short, cylindrical segment of bone that connects the femoral head to the femoral shaft. It is located at the junction between the head and the shaft of the femur. The angle at which the femoral neck meets the shaft is known as the neck-shaft angle, which varies among individuals. This angle is important for maintaining stability and proper alignment of the hip joint.

Function

The femoral neck plays a crucial role in weight-bearing and transmitting forces from the upper body to the lower limbs. It is responsible for supporting body weight during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, the femoral neck allows for a wide range of motion at the hip joint, enabling movements like flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

Common Injuries

Injuries to the femoral neck can occur due to various reasons, including trauma, repetitive stress, or underlying medical conditions. Some common injuries associated with the femoral neck include:

1. Femoral Neck Fracture: This is a serious injury that typically occurs in older individuals with weakened bones (osteoporosis) or as a result of high-energy trauma. It requires immediate medical attention and often necessitates surgical intervention.

2. Stress Fracture: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that develop due to repetitive stress or overuse. Athletes involved in high-impact activities, such as long-distance running or jumping, are more prone to stress fractures in the femoral neck.

3. Avascular Necrosis: Avascular necrosis refers to the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It can affect the femoral neck, leading to pain, limited mobility, and potential collapse of the bone.

Treatment Options

The treatment of femoral neck injuries depends on the severity and type of injury. Some common treatment options include:

1. Non-Surgical Management: In cases of stress fractures or minor injuries, conservative treatment methods such as rest, pain management, physical therapy, and activity modification may be sufficient.

2. Surgical Intervention: Femoral neck fractures and severe cases of avascular necrosis often require surgical intervention. The surgical options may include internal fixation with screws, plates, or rods, or in some cases, a total hip replacement.

3. Rehabilitation: Following any femoral neck injury or surgical procedure, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring strength, mobility, and function. Physical therapy exercises, gait training, and gradual return to activities are essential components of the rehabilitation process.

See Also

• Femur
• Hip Joint
• Osteoporosis
• Stress Fracture
• Avascular Necrosis