An analysis of the nature of injury in fractures of the neck of the femur.

The nature of the injury was prospectively studied in 216 consecutive patients with femoral-neck fractures. Of the 77.8% of injuries which occurred at 'home', 62.9% were the result of tripping or losing balance, and most (60.9%) occurred while walking on a level surface. Patients in whom the femoral neck fractured at home while getting up or sitting down, and those who tripped or lost their balance had greater mental impairment and less capacity for self-care. It is suggested that more emphasis should be placed on safety in the home and in the provision of simple aids to those at risk.