Basal fractures of the femoral neck: intra- or extra-capsular.

The method of treatment and outcome for 83 patients presenting with a basal fracture of the femoral neck were determined. This represented 2.3% of all hip fractures admitted to one institution. The mean age of patients was 80 years, 25% were male. Seventy-one fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw, one of which cut-out. No other failures of fixation occurred or re-operations were required. Two fractures were fixed with cancellous screws, one healed in varus and the other fixation failed requiring re-operation. Six were managed with an arthroplasty and four treated conservatively. At 1-year from injury 29% of patients had died. For the survivors 87% were able to return home and only 6% had significant residual pain.