All patients above 60 years of age who sustained a hip fracture following a trivial injury admitted to our institution between October 1995 and September 1996 were screened and treated according to a standard treatment protocol. They were followed up to a minimum of 4 years.

The 1 year mortality rate was 23% while that at 2 years was 50 percent. The mortality rate at the end of 4 years was 66%. The higher rate of death occurring in patients above 80 years of age. Analysis of results according to age, sex and fracture type was made. Definite correlation has been observed with the age, the increase being parallel to it, while age-specific mortality is higher in men. The mortality was also reviewed with relation to the associated medical conditions, and pre-morbid ASA grade, medical conditions and premorbid activity level index using the Barthel Index. There was no increase in mortality seen in trochanteric fractures.

The treatment of hip fractures in poses a challenge. Optimal anaesthesia, expeditious surgery and a co-ordinated multidisciplinary approach to care is essential in these patients.