Complications after treatment of proximal femoral fractures

The number of fractures of the proximal femur is increasing faster than the number of elderly people. The aim of the study was to record all complications after operative treatment of proximal femoral fractures in order to reduce the incidence of these complications in the future.

The files of 334 patients with proximal femoral fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The number of all general and operative complications were recorded.

The primary mortality was 8 percent. The most common general complication was a thromboembolic one. Local complications were recorded in 66 cases. Thirty-eight percent of femoral neck fractures treated by internal fixation were complicated. Increased attention should be focused on the sufficient antithrombosis prophylaxis, which should be continued at least during the whole convalescence period at the hospital. It remains to be clarified, if improved technical skill may improve the results of femoral neck osteosynthesis, which in this group of patients appeared far from satisfactory. The development of post-operative care and selection of right patients to an appropriate rehabilitation program is perhaps the most important factor today, in order to reduce complications in general.