Final answer:
A fracture of the femoral neck can lead to necrosis due to disrupted blood supply, requiring surgery and prolonged recovery and is associated with increased healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fracture of the femoral neck within the capsule of the hip joint can lead to serious complications. Due to the anatomy of the hip joint, the neck of the femur must be strong enough to transfer the downward force of body weight to the vertical shaft of the femur. When a fracture occurs, it is often seen in elderly individuals, particularly those with osteoporosis, and can be caused by a fall or result in a fall. These fractures can disrupt blood supply leading to necrosis of the femoral head and neck, which is bone and cartilage death. Surgical treatment is usually required, followed by a prolonged period of recovery that may need mobility assistance. Furthermore, hip fractures can substantially increase health care costs and are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality due to complications such as pneumonia, bedsores infection, and deep vein thrombosis which can lead to pulmonary embolism.