Femoral neck fractures in an elderly white South African population

In a retrospective survey of 184 patients treated for fracture of the femoral neck follow-up was obtained in 170; all were over 50 years of age and the male to female ratio was 1:5. The 12-month mortality rate was 20% and only 50% walked normally. Displaced fractures showed a higher morbidity and mortality rate than non-displaced fractures. Prognostic factors which may assist selection of the optimum treatment for individual patients are identified.