Femur neck

Femur Neck

The femur neck is a vital part of the human skeletal system. It is the part of the femur bone that connects the femoral head to the femoral shaft. The femur neck is located in the upper part of the thigh and plays a crucial role in supporting the body's weight and facilitating movement.

Anatomy

The femur neck is cylindrical in shape and projects in a superior and medial direction. It forms an angle with the femoral shaft, known as the neck-shaft angle, which averages about 125 degrees in adults. This angle is less in females than in males, which can be attributed to the wider female pelvis.

The femur neck is surrounded by many important anatomical structures, including the hip joint, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. The artery of the ligamentum teres is a significant blood vessel that supplies the femur head and neck.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and function, the femur neck is susceptible to certain medical conditions and injuries. Femur neck fractures are common, especially in older adults, and are often caused by falls or direct blows to the side of the hip. These fractures can lead to complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head, which occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted.

Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break, can also affect the femur neck. This condition is more common in postmenopausal women due to the decrease in estrogen levels.

Treatment

Treatment for femur neck fractures depends on the patient's age, overall health, and the type and severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatments include pain management and physical therapy. Surgical options include internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and total hip arthroplasty.

See Also

• Femur
• Hip fracture
• Osteoporosis
• Arthroplasty