What are common symptoms indicating a fractured neck of femur (NOF)?

A fractured neck of femur often presents with specific symptoms that are crucial for identification and management. The correct choice highlights that pain and an inability to bear weight are primary indicators of this type of injury. Patients typically experience significant pain in the hip or groin area immediately following the fracture. This pain can be quite severe and is usually exacerbated by attempts to move the leg or bear weight on that side.

Additionally, the inability to bear weight is a strong signal that suggests serious injury, as most individuals find it excruciating to put any pressure on the affected leg. This symptom is particularly important because it helps differentiate a necrotic or fractured hip from other possible injuries or conditions where movement may still be possible.

While swelling and redness, as well as bruising and tenderness, could occur with a fractured neck of femur, they are not as definitive or unique to this specific injury. These symptoms can be present in many other types of fractures or musculoskeletal injuries, making them less reliable for diagnosing a neck of femur fracture compared to the presence of severe pain and weight-bearing difficulties. Thus, the focus on pain and inability to bear weight emphasizes the critical signs that health professionals look for in assessing for a fractured neck of femur.