Rehabilitation of Missed Subcapital Femoral Neck Fracture in a Hemiparetic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: This single case report involves a 63-year old male with a past medical history of stroke with left hemiparesis who presented with persistent hip pain after a fall in spite of initial negative hip x-ray.

Findings: Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip was negative. Because of limited progress during the patient's rehabilitation, repeat x-ray of the hip six weeks post injury revealed subcapital femoral neck fracture. Delayed diagnosis resulted in prolonged length of stay.

Conclusion: This case illustrates missed femoral neck fracture in patients with persistent hip pain regardless of initial negative x-rays may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment affecting rehabilitation outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Rehabilitation
• outcome
• hip pain
• negative x-ray
• missed femoral neck fracture