A fractured neck of femur (broken hip) is a serious injury, especially in older people. It is likely to be life changing and for some people life threatening. It occurs when the top part of the femur (leg bone) is broken, just below the ball and socket joint. There are two main types of hip fracture, intracapsular and extracapsular. Intracapsular Fracture In this injury the ball on the top of the femur has broken off at its junction with the neck of the upper thigh bone, within the hip joint. Occasionally, it is possible to re-attach the ball, but it is usually removed and replaced with half a hip replacement (called a hip hemiarthroplasty) or a total hip replacement, if appropriate. Extracapsular Fracture This break is further down the femur, outside the hip joint and is fixed using metal work. The surgeon will explain which type of fracture you have. Benefits and Risks of Treatment Available Benefits of having surgery The aim of surgery is to repair the fracture to provide long term pain relief. This will allow you to sit out of bed and start walking the day after your operation. You will be much more comfortable following your operation, so you will be able to start your recovery immediately. Risks of having surgery Risks include pain, infection, bleeding, damage to blood vessels and nerves around the hip, clots in the legs or lungs, further fractures, failure of the device (leading to further surgery) and not surviving the operation. Alternative to surgery Without an operation, the bone will take at least three months to heal or possibly longer. During this time, you would be nursed flat in bed. Staying in bed for this long has its own problems, including chest infection, blood clots in the leg or lung, urine infection and bed sores. Controlling pain is difficult. These problems together can make it more dangerous than having an operation.