Stress fractures of the femoral neck

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998 Mar:(348):72-8.

Abstract

Stress fractures of the femoral neck are uncommon injuries. In general these injuries are seen in two distinct populations: (1) young, healthy, active individuals such as recreational runners, endurance athletes, or military recruits; and (2) the elderly who have osteoporosis. Stress fractures can be classified as either fatigue or insufficiency fractures and result from untoward cyclic loading or impaired bone quality. The key to treatment is early diagnosis, which may require scintigraphy or magnetic resonance imaging. Nondisplaced compression type stress fractures can be treated nonoperatively with protected weight-bearing and frequent radiographic followup. Tension type stress fractures should be stabilized internally to prevent the adverse consequences of fracture displacement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / classification
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / etiology
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / physiopathology*
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / surgery
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Stress / classification
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology
  • Fractures, Stress / physiopathology*
  • Fractures, Stress / surgery
  • Fractures, Stress / therapy
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Military Personnel
  • Osteoporosis / complications
  • Radiography
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Running / injuries
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Weight-Bearing