Outcomes of hip fracture surgery in patients aged > or = 90 years.

The outcomes of 60 patients aged > or = 90 years with hip fractures who underwent surgery between 1995 and 1998 were reviewed. Average follow-up was 21 months (range: 4-47 months). All patients experienced pain relief within 2 months postoperatively. Thirty-four of 60 patients failed to attain their preinjury ambulatory status. The ability to walk 2 months postoperatively was observed more frequently in patients without severe dementia. Patients who were unable to walk postoperatively had a greater chance of dying than those who regained the ability to walk. No surgery related deaths occurred. Six months postoperatively, 2 (3%) patients had died; 1 year postoperatively, 9 (15%) had died. Therefore, patients aged > or = 90 years benefit from surgical treatment of hip fractures.