Subcapital vs intertrochanteric fracture of the neck of the femur: are there two distinct subpopulations?

216 consecutive patients with femoral neck fractures were evaluated to determine whether different subpopulations fracture their hips in different anatomical locations. Elderly patients were shown to have more distal fractures. Patients with subcapital fractures had higher concentrations of albumin and haemoglobin at the time of hopitalisation, but comparable serum creatinines. Mental scores and index of activities of daily living are comparable. Prior fractures, morbidity, medication use, and serious medical illnesses were similar, as were length of stay and outcome at the time of discharge. There do not appear to be major differences in the populations of patients with subcapital or intertrochanteric fractures.