Femoral neck fracture--the cause of death of Emperor Charles IV.
We present the oldest documented case of femoral neck fracture of a particular person in the history of orthopaedic surgery. Examination of the skeleton of Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Roman Emperor living in XIVth century has revealed a fracture of the left femoral neck. This fracture was most probably an indirect cause of his death as it resulted in pneumonia, the immediate cause of death. This fact has been confirmed by contemporary chronicles.
Bartonícek
J
J
Orthopaedic Clinic of 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Vlcek
E
E
D003604:Czechoslovakia; D005197:Famous Persons; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000266:history*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014986:Xeroradiography