The Common Vein Copyright 2009
Matthew Diltz MD
Definition
The femoral neck serves as an oblique strut between the acetabulum and the shaft of the femur. The neck extends inferior and lateral from the head of the femur at approximately 125° angle. The inter-trochanteric line, an oblique line connecting the greater and lesser trochanter, marks the junction of the femoral neck and shaft. The femoral neck is anteverted in relation to the frontal plane at the femur. That is the head of the femur is located anterior with respect to the shaft of the femur. This anteversion results in functional internal rotation of the femur. In cases of increased anteversion, the patient can present with an in-toed gait.
The femoral neck has a narrow circumference in order to maximize the amount of motion at the hip joint. The narrow circumference and orientation of the trabeculae are contributing factors to the high incidence of femoral neck fractures. The femoral neck is weakest in tension. These fractures typically occur as a result of sheer forces across the hip.
References
Marx, J. A. H. R. S. W. R. M. A. J., P. May 8- Rosen, et al. (2006). Rosen’s emergency medicine : concepts and clinical practice. Philadelphia, Mosby/Elsevier.
Wheeless, C. R. (1996). “Wheeless’ Textbook of orthopaedics.” from http://www.wheelessonline.com/.