he goals of treatment in patients with femoral neck fractures are to promote healing, to prevent complications, and to return function. The primary goal of fracture management is to return the patient to his or her premorbid level of function. This is completed with either surgical or nonsurgical management. Several factors must be considered before a treatment plan is recommended.
With uncomplicated fractures of the femoral neck, treatment for the athlete should focus on rest and reversing any training errors. Modifying one's risk factors is also important at this point to prevent progression of the fracture.
A physical therapist may be useful for reinforcing the physician's instructions for rest and helping the patient modify his or her training program to allow healing. The athlete can maintain physical fitness and mobility by exercising the remaining extremities and performing non–weight-bearing strengthening activities that do not cause strain on the affected hip joint. The physical therapist can evaluate the patient for any gait or anatomic abnormalities that may have predisposed the patient to development of the fracture. Some patients may need orthotics to prevent excessive pronation, which causes increased stress on the femoral neck. The physical therapist completes patient education throughout the rehabilitation process, whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment is rendered.