[The operative treatment of hip fracture in patient over 80 years old: report of 81 cases].

The treatment of hip fracture in 81 cases of elderly (age ranged from 80 to 95) were reviewed. 13 of them were over 90 years old and 42 (52%) were accompanied with more than three preexistent diseases, mainly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The femoral neck fracture (31 cases) were treated by Smith-Petersen nail or femoral head prosthesis replacement, the intertrochanteric fracture of femur (50 cases) were treated by McLaughlin or Richard nail. 24 cases (29.6%) had post-operative complications, e.g. pneumonia in 9 cases, cerebrovascular disease in 7 cases, cardio-vascular disease in 5 cases. Most of them recovered promptly after appropriate treatment. 5 patients died of pneumonia, the mortality is 6%. Internal fixation of hip fractures in elderly is one of very important methods of relieving pain, lowering morbidity and mortality, and early recovery of motion and normal daily life. It is believed that the proper evaluation of patient's general condition, appropriate treatment of preexistent disease, smooth anesthesia, skillful technique and intensive nursing care are needed for getting good results. The large majority of them will tolerate the operation nicely, even in high risk.