The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications of hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. The case histories of 543 consecutive patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated by hemiarthroplasty between 1979 and 1988 were studied. Early mortality was 7.0%. Peroperative complications were seen 23 times (4.2%). Wound complications were seen in 94 patients (17.3%). Ten patients (1.8%) developed a deep infection. Reoperations had to be performed in 19 patients (3.5%). Hemiarthroplasty is major surgery and should not be performed on patients with a limited life expectancy and poor mobility. The main goal of treatment for these patients is to provide the patient with an efficient form of analgesia which can be achieved by simpler techniques of stabilisation of the fracture.