OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with osteoporotic hip fracture in Poland using EQ-5D. METHODS: 104 patients (82 women and 22 men; mean age 80.1 years), hospitalized between March 2004 and March 2005, with osteoporotic hip fracture were included in a prospective clinical trial. The inclusion criteria was: age at least 60 years, low energy femoral neck fracture or pertrochanteric fracture of the femur and absence of severe cognitive dysfunction as measured by Hodkinson's Abbreviated Mental Test Score. Quality of life was measured with descriptive part of Polish version of generic questionnaire EQ-5D. The reference European value set (BIOMED) was used. During the first 72 hours after hospitalisation, patients were asked to rate their HRQoL during the month before fracture. The follow-up took place at 10 days and 14 months after the injury. RESULTS: Eighty three patients were avaiable at the final follow-up (11 were ceased and 10 lost to follow-up). Mean EQ-5D Index increased significantly 14 months after the injury comparing with direct postfracture value: from 21.6 pts to 45.9 pts, but was significantly lower than before fracture - 72.4 pts. At the final follow-up, according to descriptive part of EQ-5D: 91.5% of patients had problems with walking about and with washing or dressing self, 87.9% - had limitations performing usual activities and 74.7% had pain or discomfort. Patients treated conservatively experienced mean reduction of EQ-5D Index by 47.7 points, treated with Ender nails – by 35.3, with hemiarthroplasty – by 26.5, with total hip replacement – by 20.4 and with dynamic hip screw – by 10.3 points. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture leads to significant QoL reduction, observed even at 14 months after the injury. Major disabilities include walking and washing or dressing self. Conservative treatment and fixation with Ender nails lead to highest HRQoL reduction.