BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 7

The femur is your long thigh bone and the neck of femur refers to
the narrow part at the top, close to where your thigh bone connects
with your pelvis, or your hip. The neck is the most common area for
the bone to break, as it is where the bone is at its narrowest.
The words break and fracture mean the same thing, so a fractured
neck of femur can also be referred to as a broken hip.

Understanding Hip Fractures
The hip is the largest weight-bearing joint in the body. It’s also a
common place for a fracture to occur after a fall—especially in
older people. Hip fractures are even more likely in people with
osteoporosis (a disease that leads to weakened bones).

A Healthy Hip

What is a ‘fractured neck of femur’?

What is a ‘fractured neck of femur’?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint
where the femur (thighbone)
joins the pelvis. When the hip is
healthy, you can walk, turn, and
move without pain. The head or
“ball” of the femur (thighbone) fits
into a socket in the pelvis. The
ball and socket are each covered
with smooth cartilage. This
allows the ball to glide easily in
the socket. Blood vessels supply
oxygen and nutrients to keep the
hip joint healthy.

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