Bilateral non-contemporary fractures of the proximal femur

Ninety-seven bilateral non-contemporary fractures of the upper end of the femur were analysed retrospectively. They were collected from among a total of 1333 fractures treated in a 5-year period in two clinics, one in Athens and one in Geneva. The incidence of bilateral non-contemporary fractures was about 7.5 per cent of the total. The interval between the two fractures was shorter in males than in females, but a preponderance of females with bilateral fractures was evident. There was a significantly higher percentage of symmetrical fractures in the bilateral groups (70 per cent). No difference in the age, habits and general condition was found between the control (unilateral) and the bilateral fracture groups.