Hip fractures in two health care regions in Finland in 1989: an analysis of treatment.

We studied prospectively the demographic data, fracture types and modes of treatment in 390 patients with acute traumatic hip fractures in two health care regions in Finland, the Middle Finland region and the Kymenlaakso region in 1989. In Middle Finland population (251,203 inhabitants) 199 patients with a hip fracture were admitted to two acute care hospitals, while 191 patients were admitted in Kymenlaakso (population 189,726) to four acute hospitals. There were no significant differences in the sex- and age-specific incidences between the two regions. In Middle Finland, 70% of the fractures were of the femoral neck, 28% were trochanteric and 2% subtrochanteric. The corresponding figures in Kymenlaakso were 57%, 38% and 5% (P < 0.05). In Middle Finland, 73% of the femoral neck fractures were treated primarily with a hemiendoprosthesis, 2% with primary total hip replacement and 25% by osteosynthesis. The corresponding figures in Kymenlaakso were 81%, 7% and 12% (P < 0.001). The mean duration of hospital stay was 14 days in Middle Finland and 21 days in Kymenlaakso (P < 0.01).     

Reoperations for fractures of the proximal femur

The number and type of reoperations after fractures of the proximal femur was studied in Jokilaakso Regional Hospital, Finland, from 1970 to 1981. Reoperations after fractures of the femoral neck occurred in 32% (24/74), in trochanteric fractures in 13% (6/48). In fractures of the femoral neck 38% (9/24) of the reoperations were performed during the first postoperative year, in trochanteric fractures half of the cases. The average time of hospital stay for reoperation was 19 days.     

Nationwide survey of hip fractures in Japan

To elucidate the current status of hip fracture incidence and treatment in Japan, a tally of hip fractures in patients from 1998 to 2000 was conducted in Japanese Orthopaedic Association-related hospitals. Response rates were from 40.5% to 55.6% in each observation year. The survey found a total of 110747 new hip fractures aged 35 years old and over during the survey years. Age- and gender-specific number of patients increased with age and peaked at the age of 80–84 years, then leveled off after 85 years of age. The number of patients with femoral neck fractures exceeded that with trochanteric fractures before 75 years of age, and these figures became inverted thereafter. More left hips were fractured than right in all survey years; however, the difference was not significant. The most common cause of hip fractures was a simple fall; 68.8% sustained fractures indoors, and there was a significant monthly variation. Ninety-three percent of the patients with femoral neck fractures and 94% of the patients with trochanteric fractures were treated surgically, and about three fourths were treated with hemiarthroplasty among patients with femoral neck fractures. The mean hospitalization period was 56.4 days during the observation period.     

Hip fractures in urban population in Finland.

We studied prospectively the occurrence of hip fractures among the over 49-year-old urban populations (n = 88,206) in the cities Tampere, Jyv?skyl? and Kotka in 1989 and compared the results with a parallel Scandinavian multicentre study. During 1989, there were 266 inhabitants who were treated for a hip fracture, 213 of them were women. Women had in 132 cases a femoral neck fracture and in 81 cases a trochanteric fracture, and the corresponding numbers for men were 22 and 31. Among women, the total hip fracture incidence in Jyv?skyl? (n = 22) was the lowest when compared with the ones in Tampere (n = 47) and Kotka (n = 36). These incidences were on average lower than in the other Scandinavian cities studied in parallel. The all over ratio of femoral neck/trochanteric fractures was 1.1 in Tampere, 3.0 in Jyv?skyl? and 2.2 in Kotka and in Tampere, women had 9.3 times more femoral neck fractures than men. Our study showed that in Finland in three major cities the hip fracture incidence was lower than what has been similarly registered in corresponding urban populations in other Scandinavian countries. We also point out that the relative part of trochanteric fractures appears to be increasing.     

Rising incidence of hip fracture in Uppsala, 1965-1980

The frequency and incidence of hip fracture in persons aged 55 years and older in the county of Uppsala during the years 1965,1970,1975 and 1980 are reported. For every 5-year interval, the number of hip fractures increased by 21-25 per cent. The ratio of women to men changed from 3.8 in 1965 to 3.1 in 1980. Trochanteric fractures were more common during the later years. The ratio of femoral neck fractures to trochanteric fractures decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 between 1965 and 1980. The incidence of hip fracture in the investigated part of the population increased from 43 per 10 000 in 1965 to 65 in 1980. The age-specific incidence increased especially in the group aged 85 years and older, in which fractures of the femoral neck were three times and trochanteric fractures four times more common in 1980 than in 1965. This investigation shows that the incidence of hip fracture has increased, particularly in the higher age groups. If the age-specific incidences continue to rise in the higher age groups, the frequency of hip fractures will be doubled within a 20-year period.     

Rising incidence of hip fracture in Uppsala, 1965-1980

The frequency and incidence of hip fracture in persons aged 55 years and older in the county of Uppsala during the years 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1980 are reported. For every 5-year interval, the number of hip fractures increased by 21-25 per cent. The ratio of women to men changed from 3.8 in 1965 to 3.1 in 1980. Trochanteric fractures were more common during the later years. The ratio of femoral neck fractures to trochanteric fractures decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 between 1965 and 1980. The incidence of hip fracture in the investigated part of the population increased from 43 per 10 000 in 1965 to 65 in 1980. The age-specific incidence increased especially in the group aged 85 years and older, in which fractures of the femoral neck were three times and trochanteric fractures four times more common in 1980 than in 1965. This investigation shows that the incidence of hip fracture has increased, particularly in the higher age groups. If the age-specific incidences continue to rise in the higher age groups, the frequency of hip fractures will be doubled within a 20-year period.     

Hip fracture in rheumatoid arthritis

All patients with rheumatoid arthritis, admitted for hip fracture to a regional hospital during a 5-year period, were studied in retrospect. Of 1092 hip fractures, 16 cervical and nine trochanteric fractures occurred in rheumatics. Four cervical fractures were stress fractures. The mean patient age was lower than in a normal hip fracture material and the female predominance more pronounced.

Of 14 surviving patients with cervical fractures, three had an uncomplicated 2-year healing, while 11 developed redisplacement, non-union or segmental collapse, in eight cases necessitating hip arthroplasty. Of eight surviving patients with trochanteric fractures, serious complications developed in two: non-union in one and septicaemia in one, necessitating nail extraction 1 week after the primary operation. The complication rate was higher than in an unselected femoral neck fracture material.     

Hip fracture in rheumatoid arthritis

All patients with rheumatoid arthritis, admitted for hip fracture to a regional hospital during a 5-year period, were studied in retrospect. Of 1092 hip fractures, 16 cervical and nine trochanteric fractures occurred in rheumatics. Four cervical fractures were stress fractures. The mean patient age was lower than in a normal hip fracture material and the female predominance more pronounced.

Of 14 surviving patients with cervical fractures, three had an uncomplicated 2-year healing, while 11 developed redisplacement, non-union or segmental collapse, in eight cases necessitating hip arthroplasty. Of eight surviving patients with trochanteric fractures, serious complications developed in two: non-union in one and septicaemia in one, necessitating nail extraction 1 week after the primary operation. The complication rate was higher than in an unselected femoral neck fracture material.     

Rising incidence of hip fracture in Uppsala, 1965–1980

The frequency and incidence of hip fracture in persons aged 55 years and older in the county of Uppsala during the years 1965,1970,1975 and 1980 are reported. For every 5-year interval, the number of hip fractures increased by 21–25 per cent. The ratio of women to men changed from 3.8 in 1965 to 3.1 in 1980. Trochanteric fractures were more common during the later years. The ratio of femoral neck fractures to trochanteric fractures decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 between 1965 and 1980. The incidence of hip fracture in the investigated part of the population increased from 43 per 10 000 in 1965 to 65 in 1980. The age-specific incidence increased especially in the group aged 85 years and older, in which fractures of the femoral neck were three times and trochanteric fractures four times more common in 1980 than in 1965. This investigation shows that the incidence of hip fracture has increased, particularly in the higher age groups. If the age-specific incidences continue to rise in the higher age groups, the frequency of hip fractures will be doubled within a 20-year period.     

Spatial Differences in the Distribution of Bone Between Femoral Neck and Trochanteric Fractures

There is little knowledge about the spatial distribution differences in volumetric bone mineral density and cortical bone structure at the proximal femur between femoral neck fractures and trochanteric fractures. In this case‐control study, a total of 93 women with fragility hip fractures, 72 with femoral neck fractures (mean ± SD age: 70.6 ± 12.7 years) and 21 with trochanteric fractures (75.6 ± 9.3 years), and 50 control subjects (63.7 ± 7.0 years) were included for the comparisons. Differences in the spatial distributions of volumetric bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, cortical volumetric bone mineral density, and volumetric bone mineral density in a layer adjacent to the endosteal surface were investigated using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and surface‐based statistical parametric mapping (SPM). We compared these spatial distributions between controls and both types of fracture, and between the two types of fracture. Using VBM, we found spatially heterogeneous volumetric bone mineral density differences between control subjects and subjects with hip fracture that varied by fracture type. Interestingly, femoral neck fracture subjects, but not subjects with trochanteric fracture, showed significantly lower volumetric bone mineral density in the superior aspect of the femoral neck compared with controls. Using surface‐based SPM, we found that compared with controls, both fracture types showed thinner cortices in regions in agreement with the type of fracture. Most outcomes of cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density comparisons were consistent with VBM results. Our results suggest: 1) that the spatial distribution of trabecular volumetric bone mineral density might play a significant role in hip fracture; 2) that focal cortical bone thinning might be more relevant in femoral neck fractures; and 3) that areas of reduced cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density might be more relevant for trochanteric fractures in Chinese women. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Morphology of the femur in proximal femoral fractures

We studied the morphology of the contralateral femur in 10 patients with subcapital fractures, 10 with trochanteric fractures and 10 with unilateral osteoarthritis. We found that the patients with trochanteric fractures had a significantly shorter femoral neck (4.5 +/- 0.5 cm) than patients with subcapital fractures or osteoarthritis (5.4 +/- 0.4 cm). It may be that this difference in femoral neck length is related to the site at which a proximal femoral fracture occurs.     

A new classification and treatment protocol for combined fractures of the femoral shaft with the proximal or distal femur with closed locked intramedullary nailing: clinical experience of 63 fractures

The medical records and radiographs of 63 patients, who were admitted between 1989-1997, with a combined femur fracture, were reviewed. Associated injuries were present in 38 (60%) patients. The combined fractures were classified into four major types depending on their anatomical position: type I, femoral shaft fracture combined with hip neck fracture; type II, femoral shaft fracture combined with a trochanteric fracture; type III, femoral shaft fracture combined with a distal femur fracture; and type IV, femoral shaft fracture combined with a proximal or distal femur fracture. The fractures were treated with locked intramedullary nailing and additional free cancellous 6.5-mm screws as needed. Fifty-six fractures healed without further operations. Of the remaining 6 fractures, 2 were material failures, 1 malunion with 3-cm shortening and external rotation of the femoral diaphysis, 2 early infections of the surgical wound, and 1 pseudarthrosis of the femoral shaft. All fractures were healed between 16 and 32 weeks (average: 20 weeks).     

Report on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association’s 3-year project observing hip fractures at fixed-point hospitals

Background The aim of this study was to assess the disability and mortality of hip fractures 1 year after initial visit (postoperatively) at fixed-point hospitals selected by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Committee on Osteoporosis. Method A total of 158 core orthopedic hospitals were selected for participation in this research. Subjects were all aged 65 years and older with hip fractures at the selected hospitals between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2001. A prognostic survey of activities of daily living (ADL), assessed by the long-term care insurance criteria established by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan was performed 1 year after the initial visit. Results A total of 1992 hip fractures in patients aged 65 to 111 years were treated over the 3 years from 1999 to 2001. Among the 1992 patients, 4537 had femoral neck fractures and 6217 had trochanteric fractures. Surgical treatment was chosen for 85.6% of the femoral neck fractures and 88.2% of the trochanteric fractures. The mean duration from fracture to admission was 3.1 days, and the mean duration from admission to surgery was 11.2 days. The mean duration from surgery to discharge over the 3-year period was 49.8 days. Before hip fracture, the ratio of patients with J1 (“able to go out freely utilizing public transportation”) or J2 (“able to visit immediate neighbors independently”) on the long-term care insurance criteria was 50.9%. At 1 year after the initial visit, that result represented a decrease of 24.1 percentage points before hip fracture. A total of 70 patients died before undergoing surgery. In the present study, the 1-year mortality rate for the entire patient population over the 3-year period was 10.1%. Conclusions Hip fracture patients show a decrease in the ADL score 1 year after the initial visit. Compared to other countries, the duration of hospitalization is longer in Japan, but the mortality rate is lower.     

人工股骨头置换治疗90岁以上患者髋部骨折

[目的]报告人工股骨头置换治疗90岁以上患者髋部骨折的疗效。[方法]本组23例（24髋），男7例，女16例：年龄90～100岁，平均94岁。骨折分类：股骨颈骨折10例，按Garden分型，Ⅲ型6例，Ⅳ型4例；股骨粗隆问骨折13例（1例为双侧），按Evans分型，ⅢA型6例，ⅢB型6例，Ⅳ型1例。除2例在室外被碰伤外，其余骨折均发生在室内。患者入院后暂用皮牵引制动患肢，然后抓紧时间进行各项必要的术前检查，了解患者的健康情况。争取在短时间内请有关科室联合会诊，对患者的全身情况评估，论证能否耐受手术。本组患者在骨折前均并存各种不同程度的内科疾病，但经过对症处理相对稳定，大部分都能生活自理，经过评估后认为无绝对手术禁忌证。手术均用气管插管全麻，术中心电监护仪监护。取侧卧位，髋后外侧切口，股骨颈骨折的手术操作与其他年龄段患者操作相同。股骨粗隆间骨折，需要将骨折分离的股骨大、小粗隆重新复位，用钢丝捆绑固定，股骨距部位的骨缺损用骨水泥充填、重塑。股骨粗隆问骨折患者术中适当输血，本组8例术中输血200～800ml，平均400ml：关节腔内置负压引流管，48～72h后拔除。[结果]23例均顺利通过手术，术后下床时间2～7d，平均4d，住院时间15～28d，平均21d。并发症：6例术后出现一过性精神障碍，经过治疗逐渐恢复；1例出现患肢轻度深静脉炎，对症处理后未影响治疗效果；1例95岁女性患者ⅢB型股骨粗隆问骨折，术后3周死于多脏器功能衰竭。16例（9例股骨粗隆间骨折，7例股骨颈骨折）有随诊结果，随访5～36个月，平均8个月。10例（6例股骨粗隆问骨折，4例股骨颈骨折）基本达到骨折前的状况，5例（2例粗隆间骨折，3例股骨颈骨折）生活部分自理，1例股骨粗隆间骨折患者术后6个月死于其他疾病。[结论]人工股骨头置换治疗90岁以上患者髋部骨折，疗效满意，可早下床活动，减少并发症，降低死亡率，改善生活质量，减轻家庭生活护理负担。     

Quantitative ultrasound parameters as well as bone mineral density are better predictors of trochanteric than cervical hip fractures in elderly women. Results from the EPIDOS study

RATIONALE: Hip fractures can be separated into cervical and trochanteric fractures. Trochanteric fractures have been associated with up to twice the short-term mortality of cervical fractures in the elderly. There is also evidence suggesting that the mechanisms are different. Evidence from the literature remains limited on the predictive power of bone mineral density (BMD) and quantitative ultrasounds (QUS) for both types of hip fractures. METHODS: 5703 elderly women aged 75 years or more, who were recruited from the voting lists in the EPIDOS study, and had baseline calcaneal ultrasounds (QUS) and DXA measurements at the hip and the whole body, were analyzed in this paper. Among those, 192 hip fractures occurred during an average follow-up of 4 years, 108 cervical and 84 trochanteric fractures. RESULTS: Femoral neck, trochanteric and whole body BMD were able to predict trochanteric hip fracture (RR's and 95% CI were, respectively, 3.2 (2.4-4.2); 4.8 (3.5-6.6); and 2.8 (2.2-3.6)) more accurately than cervical fractures (respectively, 2.1 (1.7-2.7); 2.3 (1.8-3.0); 1.2 (1.0-1.6)). All ultrasound parameters, SOS, BUA, and stiffness index (SI) were significant predictors of trochanteric (RR's respectively 3.0 (2.2-4.1), 2.5(2.0-3.1), and 3.5(2.6-4.7)) but not cervical fractures. After adjustment for femoral neck or trochanteric BMD ultrasound parameters were still significant predictors of trochanteric fracture, and stiffness tended to be a better predictor of trochanteric fractures than either BUA or SOS with a relative risk of 2.25 (1.6-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease of all bone measurements, BMD and QUS, was highly predictive of trochanteric fractures, whereas a decrease of femoral neck and trochanteric BMD were only associated with a slight increase in cervical fracture risk and a low total body BMD or QUS parameters were not significant predictors of cervical fractures. In women who sustained a hip fracture, the decrease of BMD and QUS values increases the risk of trochanteric fracture as compared to cervical fracture. Trochanteric fractures were mostly a consequence of a generalized low BMD and QUS, whereas other parameters might be involved in cervical fractures.     

Proximal Femur Geometry To Detect and Distinguish Femoral Neck Fractures from Trochanteric Fractures in Postmenopausal Women

Some proximal femur geometry (PFG) parameters, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), have been reported to discriminate subjects with hip fracture. Relatively few studies have tested their ability to discriminate femoral neck fractures from those of the trochanter. To this end we performed a cross-sectional study in a population of 547 menopausal women over 69 years of age with femoral neck fractures (n= 88), trochanteric fractures (n= 93) or controls (n= 366). Hip axis length (HAL), neck–shaft angle (NSA), femoral neck diameter (FND) and femoral shaft diameter (FSD) were measured by DXA, as well as the bone mineral density (BMD) of the nonfractured hip at the femoral neck, trochanter and Ward’s triangle. In fractured subjects, BMD was lower at each measurement site. HAL was longer and NSA wider in those with femoral neck fractures. With logistic regression the age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1 standard deviation (SD) decrease in BMD was significantly associated at each measurement site with femoral neck fracture (femoral neck BMD: OR 1.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.4–2.5; trochanter BMD: OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.0; Ward’s triangle BMD: OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2) and trochanteric fracture (femoral neck BMD: OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9–3.6; trochanter BMD: OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.2–4.1; Ward’s triangle BMD: OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.3). Age-adjusted OR for 1 SD increases in NSA (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.7–2.8) and HAL (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6) was significantly associated with the fracture risk only for femoral neck fracture. In the best predictive model the strongest predictors were site-matched BMD for both fracture types and NSA for neck fracture. Trochanteric BMD had the greatest area (0.78, standard error (SE) 0.02) under the receiver operating characteristic curve in trochanteric fractures, whereas for NSA (0.72, SE 0.03) this area was greatest in femoral neck fractures. These results confirm the association of BMD with proximal femur fracture and support the evidence that PFG plays a significant role only in neck fracture prediction, since NSA is the best predictive parameter among those tested. Received: 24 April 2001 / Accepted: 1 August 2001     

Late results of the operated patients with femoral neck fractures. results of the a-o technique and the endoprosthesis from 3 to 5 years after operation (author's transl)]

The late results of 133 operatively treated patients with femoral neck and trochanteric fractures were evaluated. The series consisted of 86 women and 47 men, 72 femoral neck fractures and 61 trochanteric fractures. 99 patients were treated by A-O osteosynthesis and 34 by endoprosthesis. The average age of the group with osteosynthesis was 71 and of the group with endoprosthesis 76 years. From 3 to 5 years after the operation the nailing results of the patients with femoral neck fractures were poor in 7.1 and with trochanteric fractures in 15.4 per cent. During the same observation period the results of the patients treated with endoprosthesis were poor in 14.3 per cent. There were no statistically significant difference between the A-O group and the endoprosthesis group with femoral neck fractures. Between the mortality of the nailed patients with femoral neck fractures and the endoprosthesis group there was no statistically significant difference.     

Increasing incidence of hip fractures in Finland

Summary The incidence of hip fracture in Finland was studied for the year 1988. During 1988, 6139 patients were treated for a fresh hip fracture. Three out of four hip fracture patients were women, and the occurrence of cervical fractures was 2.8 times and that of trochanteric fractures 2.5 times more common in women than in men. The incidence rates of hip fractures per 100000 were 174 in women, 70 in men and 123 in the whole population. The mean hospitalization time for fresh hip fractures was 33 days for cervical fractures and 38 days for trochanteric fractures. The costs of primary hospitalizations due to fresh hip fractures in 1988 were estimated at US $ 66 million.     

Femoral neck fractures after removal of hardware in healed trochanteric fractures

IntroductionHardware removal in healed trochanteric fractures (TF) in the absence of infection or significant mechanical complications is rarely indicated. However, in patients with persistent pain, prominent material and discomfort in the activities of daily living, the implant is eventually removed. Publications of ipsilateral femoral neck fracture after removal of implants from healed trochanteric fractures (FNFARIHTF) just because of pain or discomfort are rare. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to report on the eventual risk factors, the mechanisms, the clinical presentation, and frequency, and to pay special emphasis in their prevention.Materials and methodsA comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines with no language restriction. Case reports of FNFARIHTF and series of TF with cases of FNFARIHTF due to pain or discomfort published between inception of journals to December 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Relevant information was divided in two parts. Part I included the analysis of cases of FNFARIHTF, with the objective of establishing the eventual risk factors, mechanisms and pathoanatomy, clinical presentation and diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Part II analyzed series of TF which included cases of FNFARIHTF for assessing the incidence of femoral neck fractures in this condition.ResultsOverall 24 publications with 45 cases of FNFARIHTF met the inclusion criteria. We found that the only prevalent factors for FNFARIHTF were: 1) preexisisting systemic osteoporosis, as most patients were older and elder females, with lower bone mineral density and bone mass; 2) local osteoporosis as a result of preloading by the fixation device in the femoral neck, leading to stress protection, reducing the strain at the neck, and increasing bone loss and weakness; and 3) the removal of hardware from the femoral neck, with reduction of the failure strength of the neck. The femoral neck fractures were spontaneous, i.e. not related to trauma or fall, in 87.5% of the cases, mostly subcapital, and with no prevalence between displaced and undisplaced fractures. The clinical presentation was that of a spontaneous fracture, and most of the patients consulted because of hip pain and presented in the emergency room walking by themselves which led to delayed diagnosis in several instances. Radiological diagnosis was mostly with radiographs, though in some cases CT scans or MRI were necessary. The overall median incidence of this complication was 14.5% after hardware removal because of pain or discomfort in healed trochanteric fractures.ConclusionThe risk factors for FNFARIHTF seem to be preexisisting systemic osteoporosis, local osteoporosis as a result of preloading by the fixation device in the femoral neck, and the removal of hardware from the femoral neck, with reduction of the strength of the neck. The clinical presentation may be obscure as most of the patients complain of hip pain of some days or weeks, and arrive in the hospital walking. Therefore, the attending physician should be alert in order to request the appropriate radiological investigation and if this is not clear CT scan or MRI should be done in order to diagnose promptly these “spontaneous” fractures. Treatment should be replacement surgery in most cases; however, there is some place for internal fixation especially in undisplaced fractures or younger patients. The occurrence of the femoral neck fracture after hardware removal may be prevented with re-osteosynthesis and the use of bone chips or bone substitutes. Finally, the relatively high incidence of this complication should alert orthopaedic surgeons to reduce the removal of hardware in healed trochanteric fractures to very selected cases.     

Bone mass in women with hip fracture

The bone mineral density was determined by dual-photon absorptiometry on the proximal femur in 32 women with femoral neck fractures, 30 with trochanteric fractures, 39 with a fracture elsewhere than the hip, and 16 premenopausal healthy women. Single-photon absorptiometry was performed at two sites on the radius. The bone mineral density in the neck and intertrochanteric area was greater in the women with femoral neck fractures than in those with trochanteric fractures. The bone mineral distribution in the proximal femur was essentially the same for the femoral neck fracture group as for the reference group of healthy women. Neither the Singh index, determined in radiographs, nor the measurements on the radius by single photon absorptiometry provided a reliable estimate of the bone mineral density in the proximal femur.