Fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Five fractures of the femoral neck were observed in patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. In each case, the fracture line was vertically oriented near the base of the neck. The diagnosis was suggested by the patient's history and roentgenologic features and was confirmed by biochemical changes. None of the fractures healed despite internal fixation in four cases and appropriate treatment of the underlying disease. When such fractures occur in elderly patients, primary arthroplasty may be preferable to internal fixation.