The technique depends on the location of the fracture, the surgeon's preference, and the age of the patient. Prevention of clots is needed as a third of fracture patients have clotting of their deep leg veins leading to serious life-threatening lung clots. Physical therapy and rehabilitation in conjunction with early surgical repair help prevent the inevitable muscle wasting of bed rest and hasten the ability to walk again. After the operation there are dangers from dehydration, infection, bed sores, heart attacks. Many develop complications of their underlying diseases.
Social deterioration is noted in nearly half the survivors.
Age and general health of the patient are more important in survival than the type of fracture or mode of treatment. A patient of mine was 78 when she fell and broke her hip. She had been a well-paid executive secretary in Minneapolis who came to Iowa City to be near her son. She tripped over a rug or fainted and fractured her hip. She had an internal fixation by multiple screws and a plate.