Femoral neck fracture: a preventable phenomenon?

The purpose of this paper is to examine the problem of femoral neck fracture in the elderly New Zealand citizen, and to consider the prospects for prevention. Data are drawn chiefly from the Accident Compensation Corporation's claims data base, which has enabled identification of the mechanism of accident associated with such fractures. The data reveal a relative preponderance of femoral neck fracture in females of advanced age. In this group, the typical accident sequence is found to be mundane, 84% of victims falling to the ground without involvement of external agency. It is concluded that the resulting fractures are largely attributable to the heightened vulnerability of the subject as opposed to the magnitude of the blow. Hence, an appropriate intervention strategy should be aimed at strengthening the bone structure of individuals at risk. The practicability of this approach is discussed with particular reference to calcium and hormonal supplements. It is noted that cost and other factors make identification of a high risk sub-population desirable. Modern methods of bone density measurement have enhanced the feasibility of this procedure.