[Hip fractures in the elderly; mortality, functional results and probability of returning home]

767 patients over the age of 70 with a fracture of one hip were studied prospectively. The results were compared with the literature. The overall mortality rate within 3 months was 24%. This mortality was significantly influenced by the general health condition of the patient at the time of the injury, his living quarters and the ability to walk again after operation (p less than 0.001). For 38% of the survivors, able-bodied before the injury, the fracture meant an important loss of functional independence. The degree of impairment was closely related to the patient's age and fracture type (p less than 0.05). Of patients living in their own homes before injury only 60% were able to go back home. In predicting the probability of going back home, the functional status before injury and the ability to walk again at the time of discharge from the surgical department were highly important (p less than 0.001).