Iatrogenic factors in femoral neck fractures

A study of 200 femoral neck fractures in ambulant patients showed that 62 per cent of subcapital and 58 per cent of trochanteric fractures occurred without a significant history of injury. It was also observed that almost 70 per cent of patients in this group were on long-term medication which could affect bone density. In the remaining patients with a definite history of injury, only 20 per cent and 21 per cent respectively were on long-term therapy, figures which corresponded to the 18 per cent of patients on prolonged medication attending with minor injuries (age- and sex-matched). The action of corticosteroids, thyroxine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, frusemide and bendrofluazide on bone density and their responsibility for femoral neck fractures are discussed.