Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
A proximal femur fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur), near the hip joint. This type of fracture is commonly referred to as a hip fracture and is especially common in older adults due to osteoporosis or falls.
According to location and fracture pattern, they are classified as :-
Femoral Neck Fracture
Occurs just below the femoral head (ball of the hip joint)
Risk of disrupted blood supply → Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Intertrochanteric Fracture
Between the greater and lesser trochanters
Often more stable and has better blood supply
Subtrochanteric Fracture
Just below the lesser trochanter
Typically requires surgical fixation
Severe hip or groin pain
Inability to stand or walk
Leg appears shortened and externally rotated
Swelling, bruising
Pain with movement of the leg
X-ray :- First-line to confirm the fracture and assess alignment
CT/MRI: Used if X-rays are inconclusive or to plan surgery
Bone density test: If osteoporosis is suspected
Only in non-ambulatory patients or those with severe comorbidities
Includes bed rest, pain management, and physiotherapy
Surgery is the gold standard—done within 24–48 hours in most cases to reduce complications
Femoral Neck Fracture
Young patients: Screw fixation
Elderly: Hemiarthroplasty (partial hip replacement) or total hip replacement
Intertrochanteric Fracture
Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS)
Intramedullary nail (IM nail) for more stable fixation
Subtrochanteric Fracture
Typically fixed with long intramedullary nail
Avascular necrosis (especially with femoral neck fractures)
Non-union or malunion
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Infection (surgical site)
Implant failure
Long-term: Hip stiffness, limp, or leg length discrepancy
Most patients regain mobility with timely surgery and rehab
Early mobilization reduces risk of bed sores, pneumonia, and blood clots
Mortality risk increases in elderly if untreated or delayed
F&Q'sIdeally within 24–48 hours to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
In very rare cases—surgery is almost always recommended for best results.
Yes, initially. Most patients transition from walker → cane → independent walking.
Most can return to daily tasks within 3–6 months, though some elderly patients may need long-term assistance.
Possibly—a fragility fracture in the hip is a strong indicator. Bone health assessment is usually done afterward.
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction surgery focuses on restoring range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving balance and proprioception, and gradually reintroducing functional activities. The duration and intensity of rehabilitation may vary but typically involve several months of guided exercises and progressive training to optimize outcomes and safely return to sports or other activities.