ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Orthopedic injury is present in 75% of multitraumatized patients [1]. Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and falls are the causes most likely to be associated with orthopedic trauma [2]. Fractures account for 7.4% of all the injuries sustained by automobile occupants. The incidence of sporting, and especially recreational injuries is increasing. Despite of a lot of preventive and legislative efforts, [occupational accidents] still cause great numbers of orthopedic injuries. Hip fractures in the elderly are responsible for a large burden on the health care system. These patients occupy one-fifth of all orthopedic hospital beds [3].
