2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B
Delayed presentation of a bilateral neck of femur stress fracture with an excellent outcome following closed reduction treatment: Case report
Author(s): Hamid Talal AL Johani, Faisal Abdullah Alqifari, Abdullah Abdulaziz Aldhibaib, Dr. Elham A Alghamdi, Zeyad S ALamari, Ahmed Mansure AL Mulla and Abdullah Ahmed Hawsawi
Abstract: Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSFs) are a subset of stress fractures that occur in the neck of the femur, commonly seen in athletes, military recruits, and individuals engaging in repetitive high-impact activities. These fractures develop due to the accumulation of micro-damage from repetitive stress rather than acute trauma. FNSFs are typically classified into two types: tension-sided and compression-sided, with tension-sided fractures being at higher risk for displacement and complications. Early diagnosis is critical, as delayed treatment beyond 23 to 48 hours can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including complete fractures, avascular necrosis, and long-term disability. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, imaging modalities, and consideration of risk factors like bone mineral density and activity levels. Surgical intervention is almost always required especially in tension-sided fractures, which can range from internal fixation to total hip replacement depending on the patient’s age, activity, fracture type, and overall health.Introduction: Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSFs) are rare injuries predominantly observed in military recruits or endurance athletes. They represent the most costly type of stress fracture to treat and carry a significant risk of morbidity, including the potential for osteoarthritis (OA) and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH). Case presentation: A 27-year-old male, recently enlisted in the military, experienced gradual right hip pain for five days, exacerbated by physical activity and relieved by rest. He rated the pain as 6 out of 10 and had engaged in intense workouts since joining the military 20 days prior, contrasting with his previously sedentary lifestyle. He sought treatment at a primary clinic and was prescribed topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which provided partial relief.Conclusion: Clear guidelines for diagnosing and treating femoral stress fractures are essential for newly enlisted military recruits to prevent complications and career loss. Delays and underestimating groin pain can lead to complete displacement and increased avascular necrosis risk. Timely closed reduction yields excellent results, as shown in a three-year follow-up, with range of motion significantly enhancing patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
DOI: 10.22271/27078345.2024.v6.i2b.224Pages: 76-79 | Views: 142 | Downloads: 42Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Hamid Talal AL Johani, Faisal Abdullah Alqifari, Abdullah Abdulaziz Aldhibaib, Dr. Elham A Alghamdi, Zeyad S ALamari, Ahmed Mansure AL Mulla, Abdullah Ahmed Hawsawi.
Delayed presentation of a bilateral neck of femur stress fracture with an excellent outcome following closed reduction treatment: Case report. Int J Case Rep Orthop 2024;6(2):76-79. DOI:
10.22271/27078345.2024.v6.i2b.224