Femoral Neck

collum femoris

The femoral neck connects the femoral head to the shaft at the neck-shaft angle (normally 120 to 135 degrees in adults) and the anteversion angle (normally 10 to 15 degrees of forward torsion). The trabecular architecture within the neck follows the lines of compressive and tensile stress (Ward triangle, calcar femorale), providing maximum strength with minimum material. The retinacular vessels supplying the femoral head run along the femoral neck surface, making them vulnerable to disruption by neck fractures.

Region: Thigh

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Garden classification of femoral neck fractures grades displacement (I: impacted valgus, II: undisplaced, III: partial displacement, IV: complete displacement). Garden III and IV fractures have the highest risk of avascular necrosis (30 percent) and non-union. In patients under 65 years, anatomical reduction and internal fixation is preferred to preserve the femoral head; in older patients, arthroplasty (hemi- or total hip replacement) avoids the non-union and AVN risks. Neck-shaft angle variations (coxa valga more than 140 degrees, coxa vara less than 120 degrees) affect hip abductor mechanics.