907 patients were operated on for fracture of the proximal femur in 1986-1987 and were then followed for an average of 7 months. There was a relatively high rate of complications in those over the age of 71, in whom mortality reached 15.5%, while the overall mortality was 6.8%. There was also a high rate of complications in those operated 3 or more days after the fracture had occurred. In those up to the age of 60, the ratio of males to females was almost 1 to 1, but in those over 80 the ratio was 1 to 4. The mortality of males was higher (9.2%) than that of females (5.5%). In trochanteric fractures treated by various methods of rigid fixation there were no problems of union or delayed union. Early mobilization and early discharge from hospital reduced mortality and complications.