ABSTRACT
Extracapsular fractures may be intertrochanteric (between the trochanters) or pertrochanteric (through the trochanters), and are common in the elderly and osteoporotic patient, often following minimal trauma. Extracapsular fractures account for almost 50% of all femoral neck fractures and the proportion is increasing. The mean age of presentation is 80 years, higher than for intracapsular fractures. Eighty per cent occur in women. As the fracture is extracapsular the blood supply to the femoral head is good and the aim of treatment is early surgical stabilization and mobilization. Union rates are high, and late complications of the fracture itself uncommon. However, as the majority of patients are elderly, often with additional medical problems, surgery and bed rest are tolerated poorly, leading to mortality of 33% at 6 months and 38% at 12 months. Mortality is higher than for intracapsular fractures.
