Understanding Femoral Neck Fractures: What to Do if You’re Still in Pain After Surgery

Are you experiencing ongoing pain or weakness after a femoral neck fracture? If you’ve suffered a fracture near your hip (known as a femoral neck fracture) and either pursued nonoperative treatment or underwent screw fixation surgery, you may still be dealing with lingering pain or difficulty moving. This post will explain why these symptoms might persist and explore solutions like total hip replacement (THR), which can provide lasting relief. At Scottsdale Hip and Knee, we specialize in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted hip replacements, offering a cutting-edge approach to hip revision surgery when needed.

What Is a Femoral Neck Fracture?

A femoral neck fracture occurs when the top part of the thigh bone (femur) breaks just below the hip joint. These types of fractures are common in older adults or those with weakened bones, such as from osteoporosis. They can occur from falls or other injuries, and treatment varies depending on factors like the patient’s age, bone quality, and the severity of the fracture.

Nonoperative Treatment and the Importance of Follow-Up

In some cases, femoral neck fractures can be managed without surgery, especially if the fracture is small or minimally displaced. However, if you’ve had nonoperative treatment and are still experiencing pain or weakness, it’s important to follow up with a specialist. Persistent symptoms could signal complications like nonunion (where the bone doesn’t heal properly) or avascular necrosis (a loss of blood supply to the bone, leading to bone death).

These issues are more common in older patients, and they often require additional treatment. Early intervention is key to avoiding more severe complications down the road.

Screw Fixation: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

Screw fixation is a common surgical method for treating femoral neck fractures. This procedure involves inserting screws into the bone to hold the fracture in place while it heals. For many patients, this treatment is effective—but it isn’t always successful. If you’re still experiencing pain, weakness, or difficulty walking after screw fixation, you might have complications such as:

• Nonunion: The bone doesn’t heal as expected, causing ongoing discomfort and instability.
• Avascular Necrosis: When the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised, it can lead to bone deterioration and significant pain.
• Malunion: The bone heals in an incorrect position, affecting movement and causing pain.

If you’ve had screw fixation and are still struggling with these issues, there are other treatment options to consider.

Why Total Hip Replacement May Be the Best Solution

For patients whose femoral neck fractures have not healed properly, or for those who continue to experience pain or weakness after screw fixation, total hip replacement (THR) can offer a long-term solution. THR involves replacing the damaged femoral head and hip joint with artificial components, providing significant pain relief and restoring function.

At Scottsdale Hip and Knee, I specialize in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted hip replacements, which allow for greater precision, quicker recovery times, and less disruption to surrounding tissues. This advanced approach can also be used for hip revision surgeries, offering patients who have had previous surgeries the chance to benefit from the latest technology.

Research shows that THR offers better outcomes in terms of pain relief, mobility, and quality of life compared to continued nonoperative care or revision surgery with screws alone. It is especially recommended for older adults or patients with poor bone quality, where healing through screw fixation is less reliable.

• Pain Relief: THR eliminates pain caused by complications such as avascular necrosis or nonunion.
• Improved Function: After THR, most patients regain the ability to walk comfortably and participate in daily activities with less difficulty.
• Lower Risk of Future Complications: THR reduces the need for revision surgeries compared to screw fixation and offers better long-term results.

Minimally Invasive, Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement: What You Need to Know

At Scottsdale Hip and Knee, we use minimally invasive techniques and robotic assistance for our hip replacement surgeries. These approaches allow us to perform surgery with smaller incisions and greater precision, resulting in:

• Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions and less damage to surrounding tissues mean that patients often experience a quicker recovery and less post-surgical pain.
• Improved Precision: Robotic assistance ensures that the placement of the artificial hip components is as accurate as possible, leading to better long-term results and reducing the risk of complications.
• Personalized Treatment: Using robotic technology, we can create a customized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and specific needs, leading to optimal outcomes.

If you’ve previously had screw fixation for a femoral neck fracture and are still experiencing symptoms, we may be able to use these advanced techniques for your revision surgery, providing a more accurate and less invasive solution to your ongoing pain.

Is Total Hip Replacement Right for You?

If you’ve had a femoral neck fracture and are still experiencing pain or difficulty moving, THR may be the right solution. Studies comparing screw fixation and THR show that patients who undergo hip replacement often have better outcomes in terms of pain relief and function. The decision to proceed with THR depends on several factors, including:

• Age: THR is typically recommended for older patients who are less likely to benefit from additional screw fixation surgeries.
• Bone Quality: Patients with osteoporosis or other bone conditions may experience better outcomes with THR.
• Existing Complications: If you’ve already experienced complications such as nonunion, avascular necrosis, or malunion, THR can help resolve these issues and restore mobility.

Next Steps: Seeking Evaluation and Treatment

If you’re suffering from ongoing symptoms after a femoral neck fracture—whether you’ve had nonoperative treatment or screw fixation—it’s important to seek an evaluation to determine the next steps. At Scottsdale Hip and Knee, we specialize in hip replacements, including minimally invasive, robotic-assisted revisions, and can help determine if total hip replacement is the best option for you. Our team will work with you to assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your pain and restores your quality of life.

Don’t Wait to Find Relief

Living with ongoing hip pain or weakness after a femoral neck fracture can impact your daily life. If you’re still experiencing symptoms, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our expert team at Scottsdale Hip and Knee is here to provide the care you need, using the latest advancements in hip replacement surgery to help you get back to living pain-free.

Expert Hip Care at Scottsdale Hip and Knee

At Scottsdale Hip and Knee, we offer compassionate, patient-centered care to help people recover from hip fractures and live life to the fullest. If you’ve had a femoral neck fracture and are still experiencing pain or mobility issues, reach out today to explore your treatment options.