Intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur.

Intracapsular fractures in the geriatric population are the result of progressive osteopenia, resulting in weakening of the bone. Minor trauma results in fracture of the weakened femoral neck. Most commonly, this process occurs in patients whose osteopenia is secondary to senile osteoporosis. The fact that the femur is osteopenic means that fixation may be difficult to achieve. However, reduction is relatively easy to obtain because of the absence of communication and the minimal displacement.