Femoral Neck Fracture

Explanation of Diagnosis

A femoral neck fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) just below the ball of the hip joint. It often happens after a fall, especially in older adults, or after higher-energy trauma in younger people. Because this area has an important blood supply, the fracture can be serious even if the injury seems “small.” Common symptoms include pain in the hip or groin, trouble putting weight on the affected leg, limited hip movement, and sometimes swelling or bruising.

Specific Work Modifications

• Use a desk setup that lets you sit upright with your hips supported and keep your injured leg positioned comfortably.
• Avoid standing still for long periods; plan frequent sit breaks every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Skip stairs and ladders; use elevators and keep travel routes short and obstacle-free.
• Work from a seated position when possible; use a footrest to reduce hip strain and muscle guarding.
• If you use crutches or a walker, keep them within reach and clear your workspace to prevent falls.
• No lifting, pushing, or pulling from a standing position, especially with twisting at the hips.

Specific Activity Modifications

• Do not run, jump, pivot, or twist on the injured side.
• Limit walking to the amount your clinician allows, using your walker or crutches as instructed.
• Avoid deep hip bending, aggressive stretching, and movements that recreate sharp hip or groin pain.
• Choose low-impact activities you can do safely, such as gentle, supported indoor walking or upper-body stationary work only.
• Avoid uneven ground, crowded places with fall risks, and any activity where you might stumble.
• Refrain from resistance training for the hip until you are cleared, even if some movements feel “almost okay.”

Recommended Supplements

• Vitamin D3, commonly 800 to 2000 IU daily, may support bone health, especially if your levels are low.
• Calcium, commonly 1000 to 1200 mg per day total (food plus supplements if needed), can support bone rebuilding when diet alone is insufficient.
• Protein supplement (whey or plant protein), commonly 20 to 30 g per serving as needed, can help you meet daily protein goals for tissue repair.

Recommended Nutrition and Hydration

Diet Recommendations

• Aim for adequate protein at each meal (examples include eggs, dairy, fish, poultry, beans, tofu, and lean meats).
• Include calcium-rich foods such as dairy, fortified plant milks, yogurt, leafy greens, and calcium-set tofu.
• Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for micronutrients that support normal recovery.
• Use whole grains and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado, fatty fish) to help maintain energy and reduce inflammatory triggers.
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, since both can interfere with bone and tissue recovery.

Hydration Tips

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially if you are less mobile and have a reduced thirst response.
• If your doctor has not restricted fluids, include fluids with meals and consider a daily goal that keeps your urine pale yellow.
• Stay alert for constipation from reduced movement and pain medications, and increase fiber and fluids as appropriate.

Home Exercise Prescription

Perform these exercises 1 to 2 times per day unless your orthopedic clinician has given different weight-bearing or movement limits.

1. Ankle Pumps, gently move your ankle up and down while keeping your knee relaxed, 30 repetitions.
2. Quad Sets, tighten the thigh muscle by pressing the knee gently downward toward the bed or chair without causing hip pain, hold 5 to 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.
3. Seated Knee Extensions, straighten the knee slowly to a comfortable level and then lower it with control, 10 repetitions each side if allowed, or only the affected side as tolerated.
4. Heel Slides (if pain-free and permitted), slide your heel toward your body along the bed until you feel mild stretch, then slide back out, 8 to 12 repetitions.
5. Gentle Glute Squeezes, squeeze your buttock muscles lightly to support the hip without forcing the joint, hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times.

Stop if any exercise sharply increases hip pain, causes new or worsening limping, or leads to dizziness.

Helpful Books

• "Explain Pain" written by David Butler and Lorimer Moseley
• "Rebuilding Milo" written by ??? (optional if you prefer general movement/pain literacy; otherwise choose another recovery-focused title)
• "The Patient’s Guide to Orthopedic Injury Recovery" written by (look for current editions from major medical publishers)
• "The Sports Medicine Patient Advisor" written by (major publisher editions updated for current guidance)