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Introduction: Perthes disease is idiopathic avascular osteonecrosis of the hip in children, with unknown etiology. Inflammation is present during development of Perthes disease and it is known that this process influences bone remodeling., Objective: Since genetic studies related to inflammation have not been performed in Perthes disease so far, the aim of this study was to analyze the association of frequencies of genetic variants of immune response genes, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), with this disease., Methods: The study cohort consisted of 37 patients with Perthes disease and 50 healthy controls. Polymorphisms of well described inflammatory mediators: TLR4 (Asp299Gly, Thr39911e) and 11-6 (G-174C, G-597A) were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results IL-6 G-174C and G-597A polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. A statistically significant increase of heterozygote subjects for IL-6 G-174C/G-597A was found in controls in comparison to Perthes patient group (p = 0.047, OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.00-6.21). Also, the patient group for IL-6 G-174C/G-597A polymorphisms was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No statistically significant differences were found between patient and control groups for TLR4 analyzed polymorphisms. A stratified analysis by the age at disease onset also did not reveal any significant difference for all analyzed polymorphisms. Conclusion Our study revealed that heterozygote subjects for the IL-6 G-174C/G-597A polymorphisms were significantly overrepresented in the control group than in the Perthes patient group. Consequently, we concluded that children who are heterozygous for these polymorphisms have a lower chance of developing Perthes disease than carriers of both homozygote genotypes.

Introduction: Modified, reversal technique of fixation in digital replantation using K-wires was analyzed. The results obtained from the standard technique and reversal technique of fixation using K-wires were compared., Objective: The aim was to compare the results of osteofixation using K-wires in digital replantation when either standard or reversal, modified technique was used., Methods: A retrospective study included 103 replanted fingers in 72 patients. The first group included standard fixation using K-wires and the second group included fixation using K-wires, but with a modified technique. Modification consisted of the opposite order of moves during the phalanges fixation compared to the standard technique: first, K-wire was introduced intramedullary in the proximal phalanx and the top of the wire was drawn out through the skin in proximal part of the finger or hand. Second, distal part of the wire was introduced in the phalanx of the amputated part of the finger intramedullary until the wire entered the cortex., Results: Duration of bone healing after digital replantation was shorter in cases where reversal technique was used in comparison with standard technique (7.2 weeks compared to 7.5 weeks)., Conclusion: The comparison of standard and reversal technique of phalangeal fixation with K-wires in digital replantation shows that both techniques are useful. Reversal technique expands the choice of operative techniques for bone fixation during the replantation. It shows some advantages and enables avoidance of vein injuries.

Introduction: Congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia is a rare congenital deformity with progressive evolution. Treatment is vague and difficult, and many methods have been used--from once mandatory early amputation to contemporary operative (Ilizarov method, free microvascular fibular graft) and adjuvant methods (electrostimulation, biphosphonates, bone morphogenetic protein). We present the usage of once popular method of homologous graft insertion and intramedullary fixation., Case Outline: This is a case report of male patient with pseudarthrosis involving both crural bones (Boyd type 5), diagnosed in neonatal age. Early conservative treatment was unsuccessful, so child never initiated gait. At the age of three and a half years, operative treatment was applied: resection of pseudarthrosis on both tibia and fibula, and osteoplasty of tibia using cylindric homologous graft and intramedullary fixation with transtarsal Steinman pin, followed by long leg cast immobilization. Pin was removed after ten months, and physical therapy was initiated 1.5 year after surgery, with initial to partial weight bearing and short leg cast throughout another year. Two and a half years after surgery complete union of graft was documented, and then full weight bearing was allowed. At final visit, five years and three months after surgery, shin axis was correct, leg lengths were equal, and child had normal walk with full range of motion. X-ray showed complete union of both tibia and fibula., Conclusion: Despite bad prognostic factors (young age, severe deformity), utilization of obsolete and almost forgotten treatment methods can provide excellent result.

Introduction: Pelvic ring injuries usually result from high-energy trauma, and cranial and abdominal multiple injuries are frequently present. Malgaigne fracture is referred to pelvic ring disruption at two sites, and is often treated surgically for its instability. We present a case of nonoperative treatment of Malgaigne pelvic fracture., Case Outline: A 17-year-old girl sustained a Malgaigne fracture falling off a horse. After ruling out urgent multiple trauma in local hospital, she was then transferred to Pediatric Orthopedic and Trauma Service at the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica" Belgrade, with provisional cutaneous traction of 2 kg applied to her right leg. After the status evaluation, the supracondylar femoral traction was applied for three months, combined with pelvic cradle for first 73 days. Weight of traction was gradually adjusted according to x-ray check-up, ranging from 1-16 kg (1/4 of body weight). Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered for 10 days, and thromboprophylaxis for two months. After the removal of traction, physical therapy was applied and the patient achieved full weight bearing four months after the injury. Treatment outcome was a symmetric and stable pelvic ring, equal leg length, full range of motion in both hip joints and normal walking., Conclusion: Traction therapy, combined with gravitational suspension in pelvic cradle, resulted in excellent clinical result. Although significantly longer and more loaded than usual, normal weight bearing and walking were promptly achieved using intensive physical therapy.

Introduction: Associated bone tissue defect and infection, commonly result in non-healing, i.e., by the development of infected tibial nonunion., Objective: The aim of the paper was to present experiences acquired in the treatment of this problem by the application of the Ilizarov method., Methods: The analyses enrolled 16 patients diagnosed with infected tibial nonunion.The Ilizarov method was used in all the patients, of type bilocal synchronous compressive-distractive or bilocal alternating compressive-distractive. Bone and functional results were classified as excellent, good, fair and poor. Total follow-up period of the patients was 48.77 +/- 41.57 months on the average., Results: Fifteen (93.75%) cases of nonunions were successfully healed. According to the laboratory findings of inflammation, the same patients were also successfully treated for local infection. The inequality of the lower limbs was also resolved by new bone formation of average length of 5.75 +/- 3.29 cm. Poor result was verified in one (6.25%) patient only. The patient satisfaction was scored 3.73 +/- 1.33 and physician's satisfaction 4.33 +/- 1.11., Conclusion: The Ilizarov method with bone transport, because of being capable to solve simultaneously a local infection and tibial malalignement, and by substituting bone and soft tissue defects, thus enabling healing of until then unhealed bone, has shown as the best method in the treatment of this complex problem, infected tibial nonunions.

Femoroacetabular impingement is an undesirable contact between acetabular rim and femoral neck and presents abnormality of proximal femoral part and acetabulum, as well. Two forms may appear: cam impingement and pincer impingement. Femoroacetabular impingement related to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease may be caused by various reasons, as the consequence of the disease itself, and as the consequence of its treatment. Coxa magna deformity (large femoral head and neck) and coxa brevis deformity (shortened femoral neck) may produce cam femoroacetabular impingement during hip flexion. After the disease, the flattened femoral head (coxa plana) may persist. Chiari pelvic osteotomy is the only treatment option for such femoral head deformity. Acetabular labrum squeezed continuously between the femoral head and the non-articular part of the cut iliac bone lead to cam femoroacetabular impingement, as well. If Salter or triple pelvic osteotomy is used that may cause a very large iatrogenic acetabular retroversion, we can also refer to radial type pincer femoroacetabular impingement. Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease should be conducted according to the natural course of the disease and prognosis. Treatment should start on time, well before a crushed femoral head develops, because it is the easiest way to establish hip spherical congruency at the end of treatment. This is the best option to prevent secondary hip arthrosis caused by femoroacetabular impingement or by insufficient head coverage at the end of remodelling. In each case of delayed hip pain, followed by a limited range of movements, femoroacetabular impingement should be taken into consideration, confirmed, and treated by some of the available therapeutic methods.

Introduction: Ultrasound represents a method of examination of hips of newborn babies capable of defining hip condition and distinguishing stable and unstable hips based on morphological elements. It is accepted in a large number of countries as a method of examination of high risk newborns, or as a method of systematic screening., Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate correlation between ultrasonically estimated hip maturity and respective gestation maturity both in premature and term-born babies, and to investigate the influence of different delivery types on hips condition., Methods: In our study 2045 patients, 1141 males and 904 females, were examined in at the Institute of Neonatology over a period of 5 years. The average age was 34.04 gestation weeks. There were significantly more premature (1698 or 83.03%) than term-born babies (347 or 16.97%). Ultrasound hip examination, as a screening method, was carried out according to Graf. It was followed by clinical examination. Results were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods (chi2-test, one-way ANOVA, multifactor ANOVA)., Results: The overall frequency of unstable hips was 3.2%, 1.88% in males and 4.87% in females (p<0.05). 96.8% babies had stable hips, out of which 35.21% were mature and 61.59% immature. In the study of the breech presentation, out of 183 babies, unstable hips were found in 1.58% of male cases, and in 10.23% of female cases., Conclusion: Clinical screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip is insufficient for early diagnosis and decision about the treatment of premature babies. The high frequency of unstable hip type IIc (risky) and IId (decentralized) in premature babies requires early diagnosis and therapy. Wide swaddling for prematures should be applied up to eight months of age. Gentle manipulation is necessary while nursing and conducting physiotherapy of a premature baby.

Introduction: Insufficient femoral head coverage is found in a variety of diseases, with acetabular dysplasia as the most frequent disorder and triple pelvic osteotomy as the most recently introduced surgical treatment., Objective: This study analyses pre- and postoperative pathoanatomic characteristics of triple in comparison to Salter and Chiari osteotomies, with a logistic regression analysis of outcome predictor and effect explanator factors in relation to the chosen type of operation., Methods: The study involved 136 adolescents treated with Salter and Chiari osteotomies or a triple pelvic osteotomy at the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery "Banjica" in Belgrade. The patients were between 10-20 years old at the time of operation. We collected and analyzed data from all the patients: illness history, operative parameters, preoperative and postoperative pathoanatomic data. The data was statistically processed using the statistical software SPSS, defining standard descriptive values, and by using the appropriate tests of analytic statistics: t-test for dependent and independent variables, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon's test, parameter correlation, one-way ANOVA, multi-factorial ANOVA and logistic regression, according to the type of the analyzed data and the conditions under which the statistical methods were applied., Results: The average CE angle after triple pelvic osteotomy was 43.5 degrees, more improved than after the Salter osteotomy (33.0 degrees) and Chiari osteotomy (31.4 degrees) (F = 16.822; p < 0.01). Postoperative spherical congruence was also more frequent after the triple osteotomy than after the other two types of operations, and with a high significance. Preoperative painful discomfort was found to be a valid predictor of indications for the triple osteotomy over both Chiari and Salter osteotomies. The valid explanators of effect for the triple osteotomy are: postoperative joint congruence (compared to the Chiari osteotomy) and increase in joint coverage (compared to Salter osteotomy)., Conclusion: Triple pelvic osteotomy is the method of choice in the management of acetabular dysplasia and other disturbances of hip joint containment in adolescent age.

Introduction: The Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery "Banjica" in Belgrade provides tertiary healthcare services on national level. After decades of constant development, a recent decline coincided with the decade of great social and governmental disturbance, the transition period after the dissociation of former Yugoslavia., Objective: In order to overcome the crisis, we used modern management methods to define problems in the institution management, and to propose appropriate strategies., Methods: A survey that included 100 employees (17.67%) was carried out, followed by descriptive statistical analysis, PEST and SWOT analyses., Results: The impact of political fluctuations, ageing of population, financing model, obsolete medical technology was evaluated. Various personal and interpersonal factors were assessed: the quality of medical service (3.59 +/- 0.76, mark 1-5); relations among health service participants (3.39 +/- 0.78); occupational conditions (not good-91%); human, financial and other resources; professional cooperation, stimulation; rivalry and mobbing (declared in 56%); public informing, institution image (rank 3.70 +/- 0.88) and PR activities (new to 78%). 93% declared to give maximum effort at work., Conclusion: Using these results, we defined several strategic objectives. These include strengthening scientific activities, general orientation to specific and exclusive pathological conditions and treatment methods, improvement of management transparency, introduction of quality-based stimulation of workers, support of promotional and PR activities.

Our aim has been to present the functioning of orthopaedic and trauma services in the healthcare system of Serbia. In the introduction, we present geographic, demographic, political and economic elements, which define more closely the position of Serbia in the Southeastern Europe. Further, the healthcare system of Serbia, organized in four levels, is presented: self-care, primary healthcare, secondary healthcare and tertiary healthcare, as well as the schedule of 20,157 physicians engaged in healthcare. In addition, we point out numerous problems, which the system is faced with. Special attention is paid to orthopaedic and trauma services active within the system, its development, current condition and personnel education. We have concluded that, despite this being a middle-income country, the healthcare system is well developed. With 524 orthopaedic surgeons, working in 56 specialized departments, musculoskeletal diseases and trauma management are covered at all three healthcare levels. Nevertheless, the authors also underline weaknesses that are mostly of technical nature. Measures for their elimination and improvement of the entire service are also suggested.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease represents avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a growing child. It commonly affects children aged 2-14 years, mostly boys, and has familiar pattern. The etiology of this disease is unknown. It is based on avascular necrosis due to variations of the femoral head vascular supply, trauma, coagulation of endocrine disturbances. The disease presents with limping and pain localized in the hip with projection to thigh and knee, frequently accompanied by the limitation of abduction and internal rotation, as well as slight limitation in flexion of about 20 degrees. Plain radiography is most informative additional diagnostic procedure, enabling assessment of the stage of disease, containment of the femoral head within the acetabulum, acetabular coverage and the extent of disease. Main treatment goal is obtaining the spherical congruity of the hip joint. This can be achieved by abduction bracing, varization femoral osteotomies and various innominate osteotomies (sometimes combined with femoral osteotomies). Children younger than four years of age, with minimal femoral head involvement, do not need any treatment. These children with a larger involvement, older than four years of age, with possible containment in hip abducion, should be treated by one of the following procedures: Salter innominate osteotomy, Salter innominate osteotomy with femoral shortening, or triple pelvic osteotomy. The patients with containment of the hip is not possible in abduction (related to subluxation and femoral head crush), should be treated by Chiari pelvic osteotomy.

Introduction: Paget disease, localized on thoracal vertebrae, presents a significant challenge in diagnostics and treatment. Presenting with progressive neurological symptoms, it has a broad differential diagnostic spectrum and requires additio-nal radiological, neurological and endocrinological evaluation. Besides drug therapy, an operative decompression of nerve elements is performed when indicated., Case Outline: We present a case of an older male patient complaining of chronic progressive pain localized at fourth and fifth thoracal vertebrae, with slight but progressive hypertonus and hyperreflection of leg muscles, including no plantar response. Vertebral biopsy indicated parathyreoid disturbance, excluded by further endocrinological analyses. At that point a corporectomy of fourth and fifth vertebrae and titanium cage spondylodesis of adjacent levels was performed, with pathological findings suggesting Paget disease. Postoperatively, there was initial significant neurological improvement; unfortunately, 2.5 years after the operation a relapse of the disease developed with gibbus deformity. Further treatment was surgical in two stages (first by decompression, and later by broad laminectomy), resulting in partial neurological recovery., Conclusion: Spinal localization of Paget disease as a monoostotic form must be considered in all cases of progressive neurological impairment accompanied by biochemical disturbances in blood and urine, and with radiologically evident deformity, pathological fracture or neoplastic destruction of vertebra. A combination of medicamentous and surgical treatment should significantly improve neurological condition.

The paper presented the results of diagnostics and treatment of patients with diagnosis of chondroblastoma, treated at the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica", Belgrade. A total of 30 patients were analyzed, involving the period from 1975-2004. All important data were obtained using the complete medical documentation, physical examination, radiographic findings and available additional diagnostic procedures. The proximal part of tibia, the proximal part of humerus and the distal part of femur were the most common sites of tumor, accounting for 63% of cases. Higher incidence of chondroblastoma was found in male patients, especially in the second decade of life. Pathohistological tumor verification was done in all patients. The patients were then treated by different surgical procedures, both on account of primary lesion and recurrence. Curettage and osteoplasty using the auto- and homograft were carried out in 21 patients, wide resection in nine cases, and amputation was performed in three cases. One patient had radiotherapy due to recurrence of lesion, nevertheless malignant transformation of chondroblastoma occurred in time. Seven patients manifested local recurrence, and one of them even had relapse on two occasions and malignant transformation of chondroblastoma. Malignant lesions were found in three cases (10% of patients); one lesion was diagnosed as primary while other two malignancies were detected only after recurrence, and the treatment was completed by lower leg amputation.

Chondroblastoma of bone is rare bone tumor, representing around 1% of benign bone lesions. It is considered a benign lesion, although primary malignant form as well as malignant alteration in the form of chondrosarcoma has been documented. It occurs predominantly in the second decade, more commonly in males. Predilection sites include proximal humeral epiphysis, femoral and tibial condyles, but it can be found in other bones, too (skull, pelvis, posterior vertebral structures, tarsal bones). Radiographically, it appears as an ovoid lesion with thin sclerotic margin, located centrally in the epiphysis. Pathohistologically, it is described as highly cellular tissue, variably differentiated and with discrete granulated to meshy calcification of the matrix and large multinuclear cells present in 20% of cases. Secondary formation of aneurysmal bone cyst has been documented. Tumor is presented with a few nonspecific local symptoms, which makes diagnostic procedure more difficult. Definitive diagnosis is made only by pathohistological verification. A pathological fracture of weakened epiphysis is possible. The treatment of chondroblastoma is strictly surgical, with a view to counteract the propagation into the joint or adjacent soft tissue, and diminish the recurrence rate. Chemotherapy is not indicated for treatment of this tumor, and radiotherapy is contraindicated as it stimulates malignant alteration. If malignant chondroblastoma of bone is verified pathohistologically, radical treatment by surgical resection is indicated, also avoiding any adjuvant therapy.

Ewing's tumor of bone is the second primary malignant bone tumor. Localized lesion is found in nearly 80% of cases and metastatic lesions are present in 20% at the time of diagnosis. Treatment protocols were analyzed, prognostic parameters were evaluated, and overall survival as well as survival until relapse of disease was studied. Prognostic features included age and sex, localization of tumor, type of applied surgical resection and treatment protocol, and presence of necrosis after neoadjuvant therapy as well as morphological characteristics of the tumor. Wide surgical resection (chi2 = 7.855; p < 0.05), and tumor necrosis (chi2 = 7.855; p < 0.05) were verified to be significant parameters for the outcome. Multimodal chemotherapy with local radiation and/or surgical resection is the best mode of modern treatment. Follow-up included the period from the completion of therapy to final control, with remission period defined by development of recurrence or metastatic lesions. Localization on distal parts of the extremities and axial skeleton is good prognostic feature, while localization on proximal parts of the extremities and pelvic girdle, presence of metastatic disease and low index of postchemotherapeutic necrosis, are associated with poor outcome. In Ewing's sarcoma, prognosis of good outcome is definitely very delicate process.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate epidemiologic features of Ewing sarcoma in children treated in the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica: as well as to establish relation of these features to clinical findings. Study involved 78 patients treated over 20-year period (1980-2000). Analysis included standard epidemiologic data (age, sex, tumor localization) and diagnostic clinical features on presentation (major symptoms, time elapsed between presentation and diagnosis, presence of metastases). Most of the patients were in the age group of 15-18 years (50.0%), predominantly males. In general, the results of our study were consistent with data reported in literature. Nevertheless, this investigation revealed slightly higher incidence in patients younger than four years of age (5.1%); localization on the upper extremity was found to be more frequent (upper to lower extremity ratio was nearly 3:1 in our study), and the time lost between presentation and diagnosis was markedly reduced (average time elapsed between presentation and diagnosis was 2.5 months). The results of our study may improve efficiency and success of treatment, thus providing the basis of better prognosis in management of such a serious illness.

Ewing tumor family consists of Ewing tumor of bone, extraosseous Ewing tumor, primitive neurectodermal tumor and Askin tumor. All of them share genetic abnormality, reciprocal translocation (11; 22) (q24; q12), and originate from the same primordial stem cell. Ewing tumor is the most common form, found in 60% of cases. It is the second primary malignant bone tumor. Localized lesion is found in nearly 80% and metastatic disease in 20% of cases. Patients present mostly due to pain and palpable tumefaction, and pathological fracture as the initial problem develops in long bones. Ewing tumor can develop in virtually any bone of the body and in extraosseous localizations as well, while localization in the extremities occurs in 50% of patients. Head or neck localizations are extremely rare. Paraspinal, retroperitoneal or deep pelvic tumor localization is manifested by back pain. Systemic symptoms are also present, commonly fever or weight loss, which often indicates the presence of metastatic disease with predominant invasion of lung, bone and bone marrow. Multimodal chemotherapy with local radiation and/or surgical resection is the best way of modern treatment. Distal parts of extremities and axial skeleton are good prognostic features, while proximal parts, pelvic girdle, metastatic disease and low index of postchemotherapeutic necrosis are associated with poor outcome.

The authors present the possibilities of ultrasound diagnostics of developmental dislocation of the hip. Special attention has been paid to Graf's method, originally developed in Austria and Germany that has been introduced in many countries all over Europe, including our country. The method in details, normal and pathological anatomy of the infant's hip, all the sonographic types and subtypes with therapeutic implications were described.

Septic arthritis of the hip represents a serious pathological condition which results in severe sequelae and high invalidity. The most serious sequelae are seen in neonatal and infantile period, when normal growth and development are brutally disturbed, followed by proximal femoral destruction and acetabular dysplasia, which in return result in anatomical limb shortening and functional deficiency. In order to achieve an adequate approach to the treatment of septic hip arthritis sequelae, different classification systems have been developed. Two of them are the most cited in literature: classification according to Hunka, and that according to Choi and associates. In this article, the authors compared both classification systems, presented their similarities and differences, and expanded them in view of treatment options applicable to each category. Although both classifications are based on radiographic findings, it has been shown that they clearly tell between treatment options relevant to particular type of sequelae of the septic hip arthritis, thus representing a useful tool in making decision about adequate treatment.

Authors reviewed their eight-year long experience with triple pelvic osteotomy. They explained the way of introduction of this procedure into everyday clinical practice. Seventy hips were operated using Tonnis-Vladimirov method in fifty nine patients of an average age of 15 years and one month. Treatment results were evaluated, both anatomically and functionally. Anatomic improvement was recorded by measuring the CE angle of Wiberg. Preoperatively, it ranged from -6 to 33 degrees (16.1 +/- 10.2 degrees), and at the end of treatment, it ranged from 15 to 68 degrees (43.1 +/- 11.1 degrees) - the difference proved to be highly significant (Student test t=-14.27, p<0.01). Functional improvement (absence of waddling gait or limp as well as better range of motion) was noted in almost all cases, although the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, the authors presented some very rare complications - asymptomatic pubic and/or ischial nonunion in seven patients.

Septic arthritis of the hip in infancy is a serious condition which, if left untreated, results in disastrous sequelae and gross invalidity. Treatment is difficult and requires precise perception of characteristic clinical symptoms and signs, application of appropriate diagnostic procedures (laboratory analyses, ultrasound, radiography, joint aspiration, and occasionally additional methods), as well as parenteral administration of adequate antibiotics and obligatory surgical treatment. Differential-diagnostic spectrum of conditions similar to septic hip arthritis is large and diverse. Successful treatment is based on establishing the diagnosis on time, which is only achievable by methodical application of diagnostic protocol for septic hip arthritis in all suspected cases.

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of hip fractures in Belgrade for the period 1990-2000, and to determine distribution of fractures according to sex, age, and causes of injuries. Data based on medical records of the National Health Service in Belgrade were collected from all orthopedic hospitals and departments in Belgrade. A total number of 8904 hip fractures were included in the analysis, out of which 64.7% occurred in women. During the survey period, the estimated average annual incidence rate of hip fractures was 51.7/100 000 (95% CI= 48.1-55.4); 66.2/100 000 (95% CI= 60.8-72.1) in women and 35.3/100 000 (95% CI= 31.4-40.1) in men, respectively. In the age group > or =50 years, the incidence rates standardized by the 1985 US population were 228 and 96 per 100 000 female and male population, respectively. An exponential increase in the incidence of hip fractures with age was observed in both sexes, especially in women. The number of trochanteric fractures was 4718 (53.0%), compared with 4186 (47.0%) cervical fractures. Observation at three time points, in 1990, 1995, 2000, indicated the pronounced increase of trochanteric fractures in women and less distinctive in men. Fall on the flat ground resulted in 70.3% of hip fractures among persons aged 50 years or older, and traffic accidents were recorded as the major cause in 59.7% of patients under 50 years of age.