OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to analyze on a 3 years follow up the 50-100% impaired ability to work related to medial fracture of femoral neck of patients in active age group regarding the surgical methods, the progressivity level of the primary treatment, rehabilitation care, age group and residence of patients, and the possible complications. METHODS: Data derive from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration and based on the ICD-10 code S7200 (femoral neck fracture) and the Hungarian Diagnosis Related Groups. Patients with polytrauma or severe comorbidities were excluded. Our retrospective analysis includes patients under 60 with femoral neck fracture identified with Social Security Identification number (TAJ) and discharged in 2000. RESULTS: A total of 518 patients met the selection criteria and 23.7% of them (N=123) had impaired ability to work. The proportion of patients with impaired ability to work was 41.3% in patients with further treatment, 50% in patients with secondary prosthesis and 20% in patients with one definitive treatment. The proportion of patients with impaired ability to work according to the method of primary surgery was 27.1% in arthroplasty, 23.7 in screw fixation and 20.6% in DHS. A total of 16.3% of disabled patients received rehabilitation treatment. The proportion of disabled patients increased in higher age groups. We found higher than national average disability ratio in regions with higher unemployment rate and lower employment rate. CONCLUSIONS: We found higher impaired ability to work ratio in patients with complications receiving further treatment and in arthroplasty. In order to reduce the impaired ability to work, the sick-pay period should be used more efficiently. The frequency of impaired ability to work is not only a health related problem but it is an effect of social and economic processes.