FRACTURES OF THE HEAD OF THE FEMUR

Abstract

Fractures of the head of the femur are exceedingly rare. The first case to be reported in the literature was in 1869 by Birkett.¹Since then thirteen other cases have been reported. In at least four of these the pathology is somewhat doubtful. I add the fifteenth case and an analysis of the series. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3> Miss H. B., aged 30, admitted to Evanston Hospital, Evanston, Ill., Nov. 1, 1924, had been injured while riding in an automobile two days before. The machine crashed head on into a telegraph pole. With the impact, the patient's knee or upper part of the leg was driven forcibly into the front of the car, probably with the thigh slightly abducted. The physician who was called, after examining the patient and measuring her legs, told her that she had strained a muscle. He permitted her to go to the bathroom, but advised