Femoral neck fractures are increasingly common due to the aging population. They are more frequent in women, mainly because of osteoporosis, and occur predominantly in individuals in their 70s. In most cases, these fractures result from a simple fall at home, making this a growing public health concern in Portugal.
In an interview conducted by journalist João Tomé de Carvalho, Dr. David Pinto explains that surgery is, in the vast majority of cases, the treatment of choice:
“These fractures require surgical intervention within the first 48 hours. At Hospital Lusíadas in Lisbon, where I practice, we have a dedicated fast-track system specifically for these cases, based on a multidisciplinary approach.”
During the interview, the specialist also clarified that there are two main types of femoral neck fractures: those that occur inside the hip joint — which typically require hip replacement surgery — and those that occur outside the joint, which are usually treated with bone fixation techniques using nails, plates, and screws.
Recovery depends on several factors, particularly the patient’s advanced age and any underlying medical conditions. Nevertheless, early mobilization and physiotherapy play a central role in the rehabilitation process.
When surgery is not possible, the prognosis becomes significantly more guarded, especially for patients whose clinical conditions prevent safe surgical intervention.
According to Dr. Pinto, there are approximately 10,000 new cases of femoral neck fractures per year in Portugal.
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones and significantly increases the risk of these fractures, even after minor falls.
Watch the full interview in the video below.