[Para-articular fracture of the hip joint in the aged--an indication for immediate operation?]

177 patients with fractures near the hip joint were operated on between January 1983 and December 1985. The fractures were treated with Ender pinnings, total endoprostheses and dynamic hip screws (compression screw fixation). Up to June 1984 surgery was performed after the patients had been allowed a stabilisation phase of 4 days on the average, but from July 1984 onwards we aimed at performing immediate surgery within 12 hours. The second group was compared with the first group in a retrospective study in respect of recumbent period and mortality (hospital mortality and mortality after 8 months). The period during which the patients had to remain recumbent in the hospital was found to be considerably shorter, but there were no statistically significant differences in respect of mortality. The causes and consequences are discussed.