An Acta Orthopaedica educational article: Femoral neck fractures in adults with emphasis on surgical treatment.

Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are associated with loss of function in all ages and excess mortality. The societal costs are high. Treatment needs to be tailored based on fracture type, functional demand, and physiological age of the patient. Internal fixation is often preferred for undisplaced FNFs and for displaced FNFs in young patients. Anatomical reduction is essential, but slight valgus is accepted. For a majority of those with displaced FNFs, a cemented hemiarthroplasty is the best alternative. This educational article suggests a treatment algorithm for FNFs and describes the evidence base for the recommended surgical techniques. Basicervical fractures, stress and pathological fractures are not included in this review.