Assessment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly with respect to morphology and mineral density.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures are among the major orthopaedic problems seen in the elderly and the annual mortality rate is high. The calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ratio can be used as an indicator of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the microarchitectural structure of the fractured regions of femoral head as well as bone mineral density in female and male patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone tissues taken from the fractured regions of 10 male and 9 female patients were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Electron probe microanalyses were carried out to measure mineral ratios.

RESULTS: The bone trabeculae in the fractured area were thin and the cavities between trabeculae were seen to have transformed to irregular and broad structures. There were small valleculae reflecting osteoclastic activity. The analysis showed that the Ca/P ratio at the fracture site averaged 2.20/1 in women and 2.16/1 in men. As age increased, the percentage values of Ca and P decreased and the Ca/P ratio increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no significant difference between the parameters of male and female patients, it seems that men can be affected by osteoporosis as much as women.