Femoral neck fractures in patients with stroke sequelae

Background: Patients with stroke associate a lot of complications; one of the most serious is femoral neck fracture. Nearly 30% of patients who have suffered femoral neck fracture die during the first year, in the survivors persists pronounced pain syndrome and reduced motility in the affected limb, and they become dependent in their habitual activities. Material and methods: The notes of all patients with fractured neck of femur who were admitted to Clinical Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova, between January 2014 and December 2015 were scrutinized. Results: In a series of 67 hemiplegic patients who subsequently fractured their hips, it was found that hip fracture occurred significantly more often on the hemiplegic side. Hip fracture was equally common in right and left-sided hemiplegia, and often occurred within five years of the stroke. Conclusions: Hip fracture after stroke is an increasingly recognized problem. Measures to prevent bone loss and preserve bone architecture have not been part of stroke management thus far. Because rapid bone loss is a risk factor for fracture, we believe that kinesiotherapy in the early phase of stroke rehabilitation is indicated. If a successful prevention program could be worked out in stroke patients, there would be potential saving of lives, suffering, and resources.