[Early management of a fracture of the coxal end of the femur in elderly patients].

The demographical structure of the Federal Republic of Germany leads to an increasing number of very old patients in traumatology. Even minor accidents can cause severe injuries including operative treatment. In this retrospective study the data of 219 patients older than 70 years who had to undergo an operation at the femoral neck region are analyzed. The aim of operative management was a very early operation and a fixation device, that allows an immediate full weight-bearing. Fractures of the femoral neck are stabilized by hemiarthroplasty, fractures of the trochanteric region with the dynamic hip screw. 90% of our patients could be operated within 24 hours, the mortality rate during the first 14 days was 3%.