Abstract This contribution assesses the incidence, aetiology, classifications, diagnosis, intracapsular and extracapsular fractures, postoperative management and prognosis associated with fractures of the hip. A hip fracture or proximal femoral fracture refers to any fracture of the proximal femur down to a level of about five centimetres below the lower border of the lesser trochanter. Fractures of the femoral head involving the articular surface are, strictly speaking, included in this definition. A hip fracture is the most common reason for an elderly person to be admitted to an acute orthopaedic ward. There has been a continued increase in hip fractures in the last 50 years.