Formation of impacted fractures of the femoral neck: an experimental study

Nine femoral-neck specimens were exposed to a fracturing force applied to the femoral head, perpendicular to the axis of the femur, simulating a fall onto the greater trochanter. The mechanical strength and fracture type were investigated in a universal testing machine. In all nine specimens, the superior (cranial) cortex of the femoral neck fractured first, followed by some compression and fracture of the inferior cortex, whereby impacted fractures had been formed. After application of additional force, dislocated fractures occurred. This method may be of value in experimental studies of impacted fractures of the femoral neck.