Femoral head fractures are uncommon, and are usually the result of high impact trauma. The 'textbook' mechanism is via a posterior dislocation of the hip. The amount of force involved means there is a high chance of significant associated injuries ^1,3.

A fracture-dislocation of the hip is defined as an orthopedic emergency, and closed reduction is favored within 6 hours of diagnosis. Fractures that cannot be reduced should be considered for open reduction ^1-3.