Bone density insufficiency is the main cause for
significant musculoskeletal trauma in the elderly population
following low-energy falls. Hip fractures, in particular,
represent an important public health concern taking into
account the complicated needs of the patients due to their
medical comorbidities as well as their rehabilitation and
social demands. The annual cost for the care of these
patients is estimated at around 2 billion pounds (£) in the
UK and is ever growing. An increased early and late
mortality rate is also recognised in these injuries together
with significant adversities for the patients. Lately, in order
to improve the outcomes of this special cohort of patients,
fast-track care pathways and government initiatives have
been implemented. It appears that these measures have
contributed in a steady year-by-year reduction of the
30-day mortality rates. Whether we have currently reached
a plateau or whether an ongoing reduction in mortality
rates will continue to be observed is yet to be seen.