ABSTRACT
Hip fractures may be divided into intracapsular and extracapsular fractures. A displaced fracture manifests clinically as a shortened and externally rotated leg. Extracapsular fractures unite readily, and there are no significant differences in outcome between conservative and operative management; there is a relatively low risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head as the retinacular vasculature is undisrupted. Although these fractures are less prone to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, patients are subject to the same general postoperative complications as intracapsular fractures - namely pneumonia, venous thromboembolism and pressure sores - all of which may be mitigated by early mobilisation. The hip joint is very stable, and as a result dislocations are relatively rare, requiring extreme force to occur. Anterior dislocation is much rarer than posterior but in the same way it usually accompanies major vehicular trauma. Central dislocation occurs when the femoral head is driven into the pelvis through the floor of the acetabulum.
