This retrospective analysis of 406 patients with proximal femoral fractures was designed to identify both the significant and nonsignificant risk factors that influence patient mortality. The 399 patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation or femoral head prostheses routinely received prophylactic antibiotics and anticoagulants. Of 406 patients followed until death or for at least one year, the overall mortality rate at one year was 14% (58/406). For patients with subcapital fractures the rate was 13% (25/187) and with intertrochanteric fractures 15% (33/219). The expected mortality rate for the normal population of similar age was about 9%. Sex, treatment of subcapital fracture by either internal fixation or arthroplasty, and the level of postoperative ambulation did not influence mortality. The number of preexisting medical conditions and the time of surgery following admission were highly significant factors (p less than or equal to 0.001 for both). The number of postoperative medical complications was also significant. The recommendation is for serious medical conditions to be maximally stabilized for at least 24 hours and pulmonary and physical therapy instituted before scheduling open surgical procedures.