Hip fractures from low-energy traumatic events, such as ground-level falls in older adults, are commonly encountered in the emergency department, with more than 300 000 hip fractures occurring annually in the United States. Radiologic technologists must position patients precisely when imaging hip fractures to obtain adequate diagnostic information. Incorrect positioning when setting a hip fracture could lead to a more severe injury, larger surgical procedure, and possibly a worse outcome. Femoral Neck Fractures Orthopedic surgeons rely heavily on classification systems and related measurements that can be obtained from radiographs. Radiographs are imperative to the orthopedic surgeon because they guide a decision on operative or nonoperative management and help determine which surgical procedure is most reliable. Hip fractures are categorized and classified based on specific anatomical region and pattern of fracture. The anatomical regions of the hip are subdivided into the femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric area. Femoral neck fractures of the hip joint are unique in that disruption of the surrounding blood supply can lead to nonunion and avascular necrosis. These complications dramatically increase if the fracture becomes displaced, and the involved bone shifts away from itself.
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