Femoral Head Vascularity: Implications Following Trauma and Surgery About the Hip

Traumatic injury and surgical intervention about the hip joint place the arterial supply to the femoral head (FH) at risk. Compromised perfusion may lead to FH ischemia, cell death, and osteonecrosis. Progression to FH collapse may lead to pain, functional impairment, and decreased quality of life, especially in younger patients. This review describes the arterial supply to the FH, analyzes the impact of femoral neck fractures on FH vascularity, and explores the vascular implications of various surgical interventions about the hip, offering specific techniques to minimize iatrogenic damage to the vessels supplying the FH. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(5):250-257.].