Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute left hip pain following a mechanical fall from standing height. Reports inability to bear weight on the left lower extremity. Pain is localized to the groin and exacerbated by any attempted movement of the hip. No history of loss of consciousness or neurological deficits.
Clinical Examination Findings
Physical examination of the left lower extremity reveals external rotation and shortening of the limb. Significant tenderness to palpation over the left femoral neck/groin area. Range of motion is severely limited and guarded due to pain. Neurovascular status is intact with palpable distal pulses and preserved sensation in the femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerve distributions.
Treatment Protocol
Patient diagnosed with displaced left femoral neck fracture. Plan includes immediate immobilization, pain management, and NPO status in anticipation of urgent surgical intervention (ORIF or hemiarthroplasty). Orthopedic surgery consultation initiated. Prophylactic anticoagulation and IV fluid resuscitation as indicated.