Not a complication of fracture neck of femur –
**Core Concept**
The fracture neck of femur is a serious injury often occurring in the elderly, particularly in osteoporotic individuals, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The complications of this fracture are multifactorial, involving various physiological and anatomical changes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Not all complications of fracture neck of femur are directly related to the fracture itself. However, one notable exception involves the femoral head's blood supply. The femoral head receives its blood supply primarily from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, which are not typically compromised in a fracture of the femoral neck. This is in contrast to the femoral head's vascular supply being compromised in other complications, such as avascular necrosis (AVN).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Ischemia of the femoral head - This can occur due to the disruption of the blood supply from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, leading to avascular necrosis (AVN).
* **Option B:** Heterotopic ossification - This is a recognized complication of femoral neck fractures, particularly in the context of hip replacement surgery.
* **Option C:** Non-union of the fracture - This is a well-documented complication of femoral neck fractures, often due to inadequate immobilization, poor bone quality, or compromised blood supply.
* **Option D:** Fat embolism syndrome - This is a potential complication of long bone fractures, including femoral neck fractures, resulting from the release of fat globules into the bloodstream.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to recognize that the blood supply to the femoral head is primarily from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, which are not directly affected by a fracture of the femoral neck.
**Correct Answer: D. Fat embolism syndrome.**