The Particularities of proximal Femur Fractures and Possibilities of Fixation

Abstract

In 1990 an estimated 1.3 million fractures of the hip occurred worldwide, a figure which is expected to double by 2025 and to increase to 4.5 million by 2050. The average age of these patients is about 80 years and 75% are female. Approximately half of these fractures will be intracapsular. Fracture healing is a complex biological process with a temporal and spatial sequence that may be influenced by biological (age, gender, disease) and mechanical (reduction, osteosynthesis) factors. The fractures in osteoporotic patients have specific findings about the site, anatomy-pathology, therapeutic approach, almost always surgical, and prognosis. Fractures of the osteoporotic proximal femur, together with vertebral fractures, very common in osteoporotic patients, are a significant source of mortality and morbidity.