There is pain, swelling, and discoloration. The break can be caused from trauma, twisting, or disease. There are two major types of fractures. Intracapsular fractures are fractures of the neck of the femur.
Extracapsular fractures are fractures of the trochanteric region and subtrochanteric fractures.
An IV should be started to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated and to allow easy access for giving pain medication. The patient should be placed on a long board to facilitate moving from stretcher to x-ray table and then to hospital bed. Pain medications should be given prior to moving the patient for the first time. A foley catheter should be placed for emptying the bladder as it is to painful to be placed on a bedpan for urination. Surgery should be completed within 12-24 hours to minimize the effects of diminished blood supply and the development of avascular necrosis.