A retrospective analysis of the outcomes in 20 patients aged over 90 years with femoral neck fractures showed a return to the preinjury ambulatory status in 50 per cent. Twelve patients had died a mean of 17 months after surgery. For the 14 patients with senile dementia, 64% were non-ambulatory and 64% had died. The presence of senile dementia is an important prognostic factor for regaining ambulation or survival.
