BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 8

What is a ‘fractured neck of femur’?

A Fractured Hip
The hip can fracture in many
places. Most often, the fracture
occurs in the upper part of the
femur. You can also have more
than one type of fracture at a time.
• A transcervical fracture is a
break across the neck of the
femur. This type of fracture can
interrupt blood flow to the joint.
• An intertrochanteric fracture is a
break down through the top of the femur.
• A subtrochanteric fracture is a break across the shaft of the
femur.

Why it needs to be repaired…
A broken bone heals by keeping the broken areas close together
to allow new bone to grow and knit the broken bone together. The
surgeon will determine the best way of bringing the broken bones
together and use metal in order to stabilise it in that position.
Once your fracture has been stabilised you are usually able to put
all your weight on your leg and start walking again.

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