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BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are a severe and common injury that affect older adults physically, psychologically, and socially. Variation in the trajectory of recovery remains underexplored. This study was conducted to investigate older adults' recovery experiences during the first year after FNF.

METHOD: This longitudinal interview-based study was conducted with 13 participants aged ≥75 years with FNF who were admitted to the orthopedics wards of two hospitals in Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at 1, 4, and 12 months after fracture. Reflexive thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed.

RESULTS: Participants described their recovery after FNF as a complex and non-linear journey. Four interrelated themes were identified as key aspects influencing recovery during the first year after FNF: engagement in daily activities, fear of falling, family members' bridging of the support gap, and striving for independence. Recovery was represented as a fluctuating personal experience that evolves over time.

CONCLUSION: Recovery after FNF extends beyond physical healing, encompassing emotional adjustment and social reintegration. The understanding of recovery as an evolving and individualized process highlights the need for follow-up and rehabilitation strategies that address not only functional outcomes, but also patients' confidence, motivation, and support in daily life.