Bilateral fractures of the proximal end of the femur

: 72 patients with bilateral non-contemporary fractures of the proximal end of the femur are reviewed. This group is compared with 203 similar unilateral lesions. A statistical analysis is performed. The age of the patients, when sustaining the first of bilateral fractures and in the control group is similar. The second fracture occurs sooner in men than in women; The mortality for the second fracture does not differ from that in the control group in spite of the higher average age of the bilateral group. Fractures of the proximal end of the femur appear to occur more often in isolated subjects, The second fracture preferentially affects the same site (cervical or trochanteric region). An individual who sustains bilateral noncontemporary fractures of the proximal end of the femur is not distinguishable by poor general condition but has a weak point in the cervical or trochanteric region.